Diego Simeone insists that Joao Felix is not ‘indispensable’ at Atletico Madrid as Premier League trio Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United eye up a potential January swoop for the Portugal international, speaking via Goal.
It is already shaping up to be a busy January at the Wanda Metropolitano, with outgoings expected to outnumber the incomings.
On Wednesday, Simeone admitted that Matheus Cunha was close to sealing a £45 million loan-to-buy deal at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Veteran centre-back Felipe could soon be following in his fellow Brazil international’s footsteps.
Felix, meanwhile, is also looking for a fresh start after struggling to retain a place in Simeone’s starting XI.
Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United like Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix
“No one is indispensable,” the Argentine said when quizzed on Felix’s future, while indicating that the former Benfica wonderkid could still have a future in the Spanish capital.
“And things will be as they have to be. He is very important for us. He had a good World Cup, he participated with goals. Hopefully we can have the best Joao, who (we) saw in the World Cup.
“Hopefully we also give him that peace of mind and joy to show all that was seen in the World Cup.”
Alongside Bruno Fernandes, Felix was one of Fernando Santos’ most consistent performers in Qatar. He scored in the 3-2 group-stage victory over Ghana. Felix also set up two of Portugal’s six goals in the last-16 obliteration of Switzerland.
According to Corriere dello Sport, super-agent Jorge Mendes is hard at work trying to find his client a new home; Arsenal one of a number of clubs to enter negotiations. Mikel Arteta’s free-flowing style certainly feels better suited to the free-spirited Felix than Simeone’s pragmatic, knife-between-the-teeth approach.
‘He’s a world-class player’
“Buying him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history,” Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil tells TVE of Los Colconeros’ £113 million record signing.
“I think he is a top, world-class player. But because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives.
“It’s reasonable to think that he might leave. I’d love him to stay. But that’s not the player’s plan.”
Marca and The Mirror (11th December, page 68) believe that Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also thrown their hat into the ring for Felix’s signature. Atletico, however, are hoping to recoup at least £85 million of their initial investment.
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