Guillem Balague says there is a ‘civil war’ brewing between Atletico Madrid fans regarding Arsenal transfer target and Chelsea-bound, Joao Felix, and the club’s manager, Diego Simeone.
The Portugal international has been a big talking point during the January transfer window, including Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal wanting to sign the versatile forward, but instead, he is going to link up with the under-fire Graham Potter at Chelsea ahead of a pretty expensive loan move.
After spending nearly £300 million in the summer, Todd Boehly’s Chelsea aren’t stopping there because they are now paying a £9 million loan fee for the player and his wages.
But, according to Balague, those in the Atletico Madrid boardroom prefer to put their supporters in a situation where they push manager Diego Simeone out of the door and keep Felix.
It couldn’t be more chalk and cheese regarding Felix’s style of play and what Simeone demands from his players, hence why the 23-year-old has struggled since his big-money move to the Metropolitano as a teenager.
The relationship between Felix and Simeone has broken down, and during a time when some feel the Argentine coach has run his cause at Atletico.
Either way, former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta first shared his thoughts on Felix, before Balague also made his points, as they told ITV Sport.
“I think it was a good World Cup for him,” said Gaizka Mendieta. “So, that’s good news for Atletico Madrid and the player. Going back to the club with confidence.”
Balague added: “They are both going? (Felix and Simeone). That would be a big, big thing for Atletico Madrid to happen.
“Quite clearly there’s even a civil war between the fans. They aren’t sure they love Simeone as much as they do. But they do love him and the club is exactly the same.
“I think the club would like to put the fans in the position of pushing Simeone out and keeping Joao Felix in. But Simeone has got a big contract, so they have to pay 25 million Euros for him to leave, and that’s not going to happen. With Joao Felix, they could get a loan, for now. Get rid of the wages and plenty of money coming that way.”
FELIX’S LOAN TO CHELSEA MADNESS
Paying £9 million and wages, which probably takes it beyond £10 million, for a loan until the end of the season is pretty crazy.
Prior to heading for the Stamford Bridge exit door, he is going to sign a new deal, so surely that means Chelsea won’t get him beyond this season? And if they do, then it’s going to take a crazy amount or the deal hasn’t worked out and they are happy for him to go back.
Arsenal might need players, especially in the forward areas following Gabriel Jesus’ injury, but it would be a financial shot in the foot if they got this type of deal done.
Chelsea, who are sitting tenth and are ten points outside of the Champions League places, need to get this right, or else, they are just making crazy financial call after crazy financial call.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
