Over the summer, it was said that Arsenal wanted to sign Joao Felix from Atlético Madrid as Mikel Arteta aimed to bolster his attack after losing Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Eventually, only one of the pair was replaced with the signing of Gabriel Jesus, and the Portugal international remained with Atlético Madrid.
It was Football London who revealed that the Gunners want to sign Felix – now, however, Atlético Madrid have poured cold water on their chances of landing him.
Arsenal told Joao Felix is going nowhere
Well, Enrique Cerezo – President of Atlético Madrid – has now revealed that the £113m man will be staying in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the 74-year-old said: “Joao Felix is going to succeed here at Atléti. Mbappe? We have no interest in him, even if he’d have a place in every team.”
The £245,823-a-week forward has a contract at the Wanda Metropolitano which runs until July 2026, so it will take a huge offer from Arsenal to make Cerezo change his mind.
Arsenal need to save Joao Felix
In our view, Atlético Madrid is the wrong fit for Felix – he would be much better off surrounded by fellow wonderkids such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium.
The Portuguese sensation is struggling under Diego Simeone in what is a more rigid, defensive system compared to the fluid footballing style Arteta has created in north London.
So far this season, Felix has failed to score in 11 appearances across all competitions, which is very poor for a forward of his exceptional talent.
Under Arteta – a man clearly talented when it comes to developing youngsters – the sky would be the limit for Felix.
Cerezo may have issued a hands off warning, but if the Atlético Madrid No.7 himself asks to leave, a deal could materialise for Arsenal.
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