Diego Simeone insists Joao Felix is ‘happy’ and ‘enthusiastic’ at Atletico Madrid amid Jorge Mendes reportedly trying to facilitate a transfer for the Arsenal target, via quotes by AS.
Felix has enjoyed a mixed season at the Wanda Metropolitano so far with eight goals and five assists. But the Portuguese talent has only started 16 of his 28 appearances across all competitions this term, ahead of visiting Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Colchoneros travel to Old Trafford this Tuesday looking to eliminate the Red Devils in the last 16. They drew the first-leg 1-1 in Spain last month after Anthony Elanga scored an 80th-minute reply following Felix breaking the deadlock with his first UEFA goal this term.
Felix has enjoyed a flurry of goals of late, having also scored four over his last four La Liga appearances. His brace at Real Betis and opener against Cadiz last Friday also directly led to wins for Simeone’s side. Although Atleti remain fourth in the Spanish top-flight table.
Mendes seeking Atletico Madrid exit for Arsenal target Joao Felix
Reports by Goal on the day of Atletico hosting Cadiz claimed super-agent Mendes is keen to force a move away from Madrid for Felix. The Colchoneros also know Barcelona chiefs are interested, but hope qualification for next term’s Champions League can see him stay.
Atletico will not have to sell Felix if they can secure another season in UEFA’s premier club competition. But Simeone risks losing his star players without the finances the cup offers.
Arsenal are also tracking Felix’s situation in view of a possible transfer with Atletico Madrid this summer, per football.london. Mikel Arteta hopes to sign at least two strikers over the off-season, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both out of contract this summer.
Simeone insists Joao Felix is ‘enthusiastic’ at Atletico Madrid
But while Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on Felix’s transfer, Simeone insists he is happy at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine also states he is happy with what the 22-year-old has given so far this season. Even if there is still more to come from the 20-cap Portugal maestro.
“Joao Felix meets what the team needs,” Simeone said. “We have a way of working with the forwards. He’s doing very well, he’s happy, enthusiastic and it’s very important on an individual level so that he can later move on to the collective, which is what matters.”
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