Arsenal are keen to sign Joao Felix from Atlético Madrid as Mikel Arteta aims to improve his attacking options.
That was according to journalist Paul Brown, who told Give Me Sport that the Gunners hierarchy are huge admirers of the Portugal international, and have tracked him for some time.
Now, Arsenal have a golden chance to sign Felix.
Joao Felix now available for Arsenal
Well, Atlético Madrid surprisingly finished bottom of Group B in the Champions League, which those at the Wanda Metropolitano did not account for when assessing their finances over the summer.
Now, the Spanish side must raise some cash through sales in the January transfer window, with Felix, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Lemar all made available.
That is according to Cadena SER, who believe Manchester United are also interested in Felix.
Interestingly, the Spanish news outlet identify the 22-year-old as the most likely to leave, as he has a poor relationship with Diego Simeone, and no longer wants to play for him.
Felix has struggled under the Argentine since arriving in a £113m deal from Benfica back in 2019.
The Portuguese wonderkid has scored just 31 goals in 127 appearances for Atlético Madrid.
Arsenal in a strong position to sign Joao Felix
Previously, this deal didn’t look possible for Arteta or Edu.
Felix has a £305m release clause in his contract with Atlético Madrid, and while that was unlikely to ever be met – it would be a new world record fee if it did – we presumed the Spaniards wanted to recoup something close to their initial £113m investment.
Now, however, Atlético Madrid find themselves in a desperate position in which they need to raise money.
Therefore, if Arteta and Edu are convinced by Felix, we could see a significant offer arrive from the Gunners this winter, and those in Spain find themselves in no position to be picky.
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