Man Utd and Arsenal blow as Chelsea hijack Joao Felix deal and Atletico Madrid star 'clarifies choice'

Chelsea are reportedly trying to deflect attempts by Man Utd and Arsenal to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid this month.

Over the past year, Chelsea have loved a transfer hijack and that's perhaps the least surprising of them all.

Felix is ​​available for a transfer as he fell out of favor at Atletico Madrid with his header with Diego Simeone.

The Spanish team have endured a torrid season as they exited the Champions League and are fifth in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid are looking to recoup most of the money they invested to sign Felix in 2019. It cost them around £113m to bring him from Benfica.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Atletico were demanding around £9.5m in loan fees. They also want Felix's next club to commit to signing him this summer for a fee of around £70.5million.

It makes for a tough deal with Arsenal and Man Utd previously understood to be the clubs leading the race to sign him.

The Gunners want to strengthen their attack to help them in their quest for the Premier League title, while United are looking to strengthen after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both Premier League clubs have reportedly made it clear they want Atletico Madrid to lower their demands before moving.

This left the door open for Chelsea to sign Felix, and that is exactly what they are doing, according to The Daily Record.

Graham Potter's side have 'offered to sign' the Portugal international. They are even said to be "willing to pay £9.7million to cover the loan which "fulfills the conditions set last month by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin".

The report adds that 'Chelsea are also working to include a purchase option' for the forward on a permanent deal this summer.

Chelsea appear to be the new favorites to sign him as Felix has 'clarified his choice'. He "can't wait to join the London club and has already announced to his teammates that he is moving to England".

Atletico Madrid are waiting for the best possible offer as they 'explore alternative options'.

They note continued interest from Man Utd and Arsenal, but they have 'still to meet the financial terms sought by the Spanish club'.

The Blues have spent over £200m on signings this summer and they're not kidding this month either.

They have already spent around £54m this month bringing in Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana.

The Daily Record confirms that Chelsea are 'in competition' with Arsenal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Reports that Felix would join Chelsea were later confirmed by David Ornstein of The Athletic.

He revealed the Blues had 'reached a verbal agreement' to sign the striker.

"No deal is in the process of being signed", but the player is "ready to opt for Chelsea".

Ornstein adds that Chelsea are "planning more reinforcements this month" and that one of their main objectives is to "revitalise their attack".

READ MORE: Who spent the most in the Premier League during each January transfer window? Usually Chelsea…