Arsenal may be in talks to sign Joao Felix in the January transfer sales but he is still shining for Atletico Madrid. The Portugal star returned to La Liga with a Man of the Match display.
Diego Simeone’s side met Elche in their first Spanish top-flight fixture following the World Cup on Thursday. Atletico Madrid won the match 2-0 with Felix breaking the deadlock and Alvaro Morata adding to their lead. The Metropolitano clash also saw three red cards dealt.
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Referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez showed Gonzalo Verdu a straight red card in the first minute of first-half stoppage-time. While Mario Hermoso received his marching orders for yellows on 50’ and 53 minutes. Domingos Quina also earned two cautions on 86’ and 90’.
Joao Felix delivers a MOTM performance as Atletico Madrid return to La Liga
Felix wasted no time in putting Atletico Madrid ahead after his teammate, Hermoso, went back to the Colchoneros’ dressing room. The 23-year-old recorded his fourth goal of the La Liga campaign after heading home Antoine Griezmann’s inviting cross in the 56th minute.
Chances had fallen at Felix’s feet from an early stage at the Metropolitano on Thursday. He nearly scored in the 37th, as well, as the forward’s attempt floated just wide of the post. It often took a promising performance from Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia to keep Felix out.
Felix was regularly at the heart of Atletico Madrid’s attacks on Thursday night and carved out numerous promising shots. His work would ultimately return just the one goal, though. But AS noted he also won the Man of the Match award and also left to a standing ovation.
Arsenal are in talks to sign Joao Felix on loan in the January transfer window
Simeone replaced Felix in the 66th minute of his 13th La Liga appearance so far this term. The 28-cap forward, who represented Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, also made five appearances in the Champions League group stage. But he has not scored in Europe so far.
Felix could also leave Atletico Madrid in the upcoming January transfer window as Arsenal are exploring his transfer. Duncan Castles reports in the Daily Record that the Gunners are in talks with the Colchoneros for a loan. Mikel Arteta is responding to Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
Arsenal are also in talks with Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, over his potential transfer from Atletico Madrid, per Fabrizio Romano. But ESPN notes the Colchoneros will want a €22m (£19.5m) package for a six-month loan. They want his £155k-a-week wage covered in full.
The total price for a temporary move has proven to be problematic for Manchester United in their pursuit of Felix. ESPN adds the Red Devils would also like to sign the forward during January. But funds are set to be tight whilst Erik ten Hag tries to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
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