REPORT: Aston Villa eying audacious move for Chelsea and Barcelona flop

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on Portugal international Joao Felix to replace departing forward Moussa Diaby. 

Diaby, 25, is nearing a big-money move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in a deal worth around €60million (£50.6m; $65.3m). 

The Frenchman joined the Premier League outfit from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a record deal worth around €40m plus add-ons, but the attacker is now expected to leave the club sooner rather than later. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Joao Felix has been earmarked as a possible addition for Villa, with Unai Emery said to be interested in the Portugal international. 

Felix joined Atletico Madrid for a hefty sum of €126 million in 2019 but the forward has struggled to win Diego Simeone over since moving to the capital club despite fans voting the player as their Player of the Season in 2021-22. 

Unsuccessful loan spells at Chelsea and Barcelona have followed in the last two seasons, with the Blues not making the Portugal international's move permanent and Barca prioritising striking a deal for Nico Williams after letting the 24-year-old depart at the end of his year-long spell. 

Felix made 64 appearances across recent loan spells in the Premier League and with the LaLiga outfit, finding the net 14 times for both sides. 

According to the transfer expert, the Premier League club admire Felix but consider financial demands as a possible stumbling block, with Felix earning €115,000 per week in Madrid. 

Felix’s contract with Atletico runs out in 2029 after signing an extension last summer before departing the capital club. 

Other options will be considered if Villa cannot match the demands of the 24-year-old.