LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

‘My understanding’: Journalist shares what he’s heard about Arsenal signing £113m player

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Follow us on Google Discover

Arsenal are not currently winning the race to sign Joao Felix.

The Portugal international’s long-term future at Atletico Madrid is in some doubt.

There’s no doubt about Felix’s quality, with the Spaniards having spent £113 million on bringing him to Madrid in 2019 [Mail].

But in recent years, the 23-year-old hasn’t developed as some might’ve hoped and now Arsenal are reportedly keen.

According to 90 Min, Felix has been offered to the Gunners.

arsenal manchester united Joao Felix
Photo by ANP via Getty Images

However, Ryan Taylor of The Express has told Give Me Sport that despite increasing levels of speculation, Mikel Arteta and Edu are not favourites to sign the player, who’d command a ‘massive fee’.

He said: “It’s not true, I don’t think anyway, to my understanding. Joao Felix is a player that is obviously widely admired by a lot of clubs. You only have to look at his performance against Switzerland to see why – obviously still young as well.

“The reason I say Arsenal are not favourites is because although Atletico want to sell, which has been made clear by their CEO, they’re going to be looking for a massive fee for Felix.”

Joao Felix to Arsenal

It would be a fascinating transfer to say the least but remember, the North Londoners need a number nine above all else.

With Gabriel Jesus sidelined until March, Arsenal must sign a striker during the January transfer window.

And talented as Felix may be, he isn’t a traditional centre forward, nor is he robust enough to fill that void left by Jesus in the Premier League.

It’s a nice idea but you can probably file this one under ‘not happening’.

Not yet, anyhow.

Real Betis v Atletico de Madrid - LaLiga Santander
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images