Joan Laporta claiming Barcelona held talks with Atletico Madrid on a transfer for Joao Felix ‘does not surprise’ Diego Simeone, amid fresh links citing interest from Arsenal, via Sport.
The Blaugrana president recently came forward revealing his Camp Nou side sought to sign the Portuguese talent last summer whilst discussing Antoine Griezmann’s exit. The Catalan giants had to offload the Frenchman amid their financial crisis, ultimately agreeing a loan.
Atleti gained a €40m (£34m) clause to make the temporary move permanent at the end of the season, per Goal. The Colchoneros can also push the payment back by a year and keep him on loan until 2023. And the notion of including Felix will again not enter consideration.
Laporta wanted Barcelona to replace Griezmann with Felix as the Camp Nou chief is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old. But talks to include the Portuguese star fell through before he embarked on an eight-goal, six-assist season across all competitions after 30 outings so far.
“I really like Joao Felix,” Laporta told RAC1, via quotes by Fabrizio Romano. “It’s a pleasure to see him playing football. Last summer we working to complete a swap deal with Atletico between Joao Felix and Griezmann, then it collapsed.”
Barcelona talks for Arsenal target Joao Felix ‘does not surprise’ Diego Simeone
Felix’s Atletico Madrid future remains a topic of debate ahead of the next transfer window with Barcelona still keen, and also joined by Arsenal. Goal noted in March his agent, Jorge Mendes, ‘does not stop’ trying to force a transfer and Atleti know the Blaugrana want him.
Meanwhile, football.london note Mikel Arteta is considering Felix as he targets two striker signings this summer. The Gunners are in the market for centre-forwards with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in June to remove their depth in the position.
Barcelona courting Felix does not surprise Atletico Madrid boss Simeone, given all that the Arsenal transfer target offers his side. But the Argentine tactician also notes the forward is happy at the Wanda Metropolitano and committed to achieving the La Liga side’s targets.
“It does not surprise me that a president as intelligent as Laporta speaks so correctly about Joao,” Simeone said. “But I live from day to day and from game to game. Now, Joao Felix feels good and committed to what the team needs. He is giving and for he is playing that.”
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