Man Utd, Arsenal told why they dodged major Joao Felix bullet as pundit slams ‘panic’ Chelsea signing

A pundit has criticised Chelsea’s approach to signing new players this window and explained why Manchester United and Arsenal have done well to avoid landing Joao Felix.

Man Utd and Arsenal were both tipped to sign Felix from Atletico Madrid earlier this month. The forward had become available for transfer after falling out with Diego Simeone and becoming disillusioned with his situation in the Spanish capital.

Arsenal made their move for Felix on January 6. There were even reports the Gunners had agreed a deal with Atleti for him.

However, Chelsea majority owner Todd Boehly acted fast and managed to get to Felix first. And the Blues announced his arrival at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The Portuguese has penned a one-year contract extension at Atleti before joining Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season.

Reacting to his transfer, Felix said: “Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives, so I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge.”

Some Chelsea fans will be excited by the new arrival. After all, Felix was one of the highest rated teenagers in world football a few years ago, and this prompted Atleti to spend a whopping £113million on him.

However, other Chelsea supporters may question why Graham Potter needs Felix adding to his squad. They might point to Kai Havertz doing a similar job in the Chelsea attack already.

Pundit criticises Joao Felix, Chelsea and Todd Boehly

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has launched a scathing attack on Chelsea for their scatter-gun approach to signings this month.

He says Boehly is acting in an ’embarrassing’ manner when trying to improve the squad. The former striker also reckons Felix will be ‘bullied’ in the Premier League – showing why Man Utd and Arsenal have dodged a bullet.

“I don’t think so,” Agbonlahor replied when asked by Football Insider if Felix is the solution to Chelsea’s problems.

“Chelsea have got issues, and it’s getting embarrassing. Arsenal say they want [Mykhaylo] Mudryk, then Chelsea bid for him.

“Man Utd are in for Felix, and now Chelsea have got him. It’s like they’re playing Football Manager.

“It’s a panic signing, and they’re in a weird place at the moment. Watching him, I think he’ll get bullied in the Premier League.”

This is not the first time Boehly has been accused of playing Football Manager. In November, Gary Neville said the exact same thing.

Boehly tends to sanction big-money moves to appease the fans, rather than ones which should actually improve the cohesiveness of the team.

Agbonlahor’s criticism of Felix could be viewed as being a bit harsh. He is certainly a talented player and if he gets used to the physicality of the Premier League quickly, then he could become a big success.

There is the chance he could be pushed off the ball regularly. But if Felix adapts to English football well, then Chelsea fans will be the ones left smiling, and not Agbonlahor.

Felix will make his debut when Chelsea travel to Fulham in the league on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has landed on an Eredivise attacker as his next signing, according to reports.