Chelsea have officially confirmed the departure of Portuguese forward João Félix, who has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The 25-year-old’s move was reportedly sanctioned by Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr and was instrumental in facilitating the deal. Félix was seen training with his new club earlier this week, further underscoring the completion of the transfer.

Félix’s exit comes just one season after his permanent signing for Chelsea from Atlético Madrid, having initially joined on loan. Al Nassr is believed to have agreed on a €30 million (£26.1 million, $34.9 million) upfront fee, with additional clauses that could total another €20 million (£17.4 million, $23.2 million) payable to Chelsea in the future. Chelsea also earned a loan fee from Félix’s temporary spell at AC Milan in the latter half of last season, suggesting the club might turn a profit given their initial £45 million ($60.2 million) outlay.

Expectations were high when Félix joined Chelsea, especially after spending the second half of the 2022–23 season on loan at the club. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot under manager Enzo Maresca, featuring in only three Premier League matches in the season’s first half. His January loan move to AC Milan also failed to reignite his form, prompting a return to Chelsea and the pursuit of a permanent transfer elsewhere.

Over two spells at Stamford Bridge, Félix made a total of 40 appearances, during which he scored 11 goals and provided two assists. His move to Al Nassr marks a new chapter and the opportunity to reunite and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.

Chelsea remain active in the transfer market as they advance negotiations for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, while simultaneously maintaining interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. Discussions with Simons, a Dutch attacking talent, are progressing well and he remains the club’s primary target. However, reports confirm that Chelsea have not ruled out signing Garnacho, especially if they can offload Christopher Nkunku. The latter move would allow Simons to occupy a more central role if he joins Stamford Bridge.

The Athletic and The Telegraph have highlighted Chelsea’s sustained interest in Garnacho, with Fabrizio Romano stating on DAZN there is a “concrete possibility” that the Argentina international could join Chelsea alongside Simons this summer. Garnacho is reportedly open to leaving Manchester United and prioritizes a move within the Premier League, with Aston Villa also reportedly interested.

Aston Villa are also linked with England international Morgan Rogers, a player Chelsea have identified as a target. Villa are keen to secure Rogers with a new contract this summer.

Chelsea’s strategy involves raising funds for their attacking reinforcements by selling several fringe players. João Félix is on the verge of moving to Al Nassr, Raheem Sterling is attracting interest following his loan from Arsenal, and Christopher Nkunku alongside Armando Broja are available for the right offers. Nicolas Jackson could also depart, although his valuation currently makes an immediate exit less likely.

In addition to their attacking plans, Chelsea are nearing a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, indicating a broader squad overhaul. The club aims to finalize Simons’ signing before making concrete moves for Garnacho, emphasizing a structured approach to their summer recruitment.

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly encouraged Al Nassr to pursue Chelsea left back Marc Cucurella following their interest in João Félix. According to MARCA, the Saudi club plans to present Cucurella with a substantial offer this summer as part of their strategy to strengthen their squad amid competition with regional rivals Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.

Cucurella, who endured a challenging first season at Chelsea, has bounced back effectively and become a crucial element in manager Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup. While his attitude towards a move remains uncertain, the 27-year-old is believed to be settled and focused on remaining at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are currently negotiating to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, but he is not viewed as a direct replacement for Cucurella, who was the club’s primary natural left back last season. With a contract secured until 2028 and coming off one of his finest campaigns, Cucurella would command a high transfer fee should Chelsea decide to sanction his exit.

Al Nassr’s willingness to offer an “irresistible offer” to lure the defender shows their ambition, though Cucurella’s priority seems to be continuing his career in London for now. Ronaldo’s endorsement of Cucurella highlights the player’s rising profile and significance in the transfer market this summer.