Al-Nassr closing in on Joao Felix swoop

Al-Nassr are closing in on a deal to sign Joao Felix from Chelsea, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Saudi Pro League club are currently in advanced negotiations with Chelsea, having already agreed terms with the player.

Deemed surplus to requirements, Felix spent last season on loan at AC Milan, managing just three goals in 21 matches.

Benfica had been eyeing a move to bring Felix back to the club where he made his breakthrough, but As Aguias were unable to strike an agreement with Chelsea.

This left the door open for Al-Nassr to swoop, and the Knights of Najd are wasting no time wrapping up a deal.

Felix’s impending sale is set to fetch Chelsea north of £40 million, one year after the Blues paid Atletico Madrid £45 million for his services.

The Portuguese forward will be linking up with national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh as Al-Nassr seek to end their wait for domestic supremacy.

Jorge Jesus’s side had earlier sanctioned a loan move for Jhon Duran to Fenerbahce and needed to bring in a new attacker.

Aside from the obvious financial benefits, a switch to the Middle East not only provides Felix a fresh start but also offers him a prominent role, something he struggled to find in Europe after his early days of promise.

Felix’s exit continues what is expected to be a mass exodus from Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea keen to trim their squad and balance the books after another flurry of signings this summer and more expected.

The Blues have already parted ways with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic and Noni Madueke, while the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Raheem Sterling are also expected to leave.