Speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth has been discussing Arsenal’s interest in Joao Felix.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the Portuguese attacker for quite some time now, and according to Sheth, positive discussions have now taken place between the north London club and Atletico Madrid over this loan transfer.
However, unfortunately, this is going to be a complicated one. Atletico want £19m for a six-month loan – which Arsenal, rightly, view as poor value, so, while positive talks have happened, we’re seemingly still some way away from a deal being agreed.
Arsenal making headway
Sheth shared what he knows about this situation.
“We’re told that positive talks are continuing between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid over the loan signing of Felix, but this is where it gets difficult. Atletico want around £19m for that six-month loan deal, that’s a loan deal and the wages. Arsenal feel that is way too much for a six month loan, but if you take away the figures for a moment, I think for both clubs this deal would work,” Sheth said.
Way too much
£19m for a six month loan is way too much for Atletico to be asking for.
Yes, we understand that they want to cover Felix’s wages and transfer amortisation costs, but which club in their right mind is going to pay this?
He’d be decent for Arsenal, but when everyone is fit, he wouldn’t even get into the team.
In all of the positions Felix plays, Arsenal have established options that are incredibly talented, from Gabriel Jesus to Martin Odegaard to Gabriel Martinelli.
This would provide the Gunners with some top-quality depth, but unless that asking price comes down substantially, they need to steer clear here.
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