Arsenal report: Gunners now lead the race for Joao Felix
Arsenal are at the front of the line for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix, and the unsure striker is looking to leave the Spanish capital soon.
Felix arrived in 2019 for a nine-figure fee to replace Barcelona-bound Antoine Griezmann, but life in La Liga has been tougher than expected. Rumors of him not getting along with manager Diego Simeone have been a constant throughout his Madrid career, with numerous rumors linking him during his three-and-a-half year spell.
However, performances at the World Cup – most notably in Portugal’s 6-1 victory over Switzerland – have shown exactly what the 23-year-old is capable of. With Atletico finishing bottom of their Champions League group in the autumn, Felix may well be persuaded to leave – and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a reported fan of the player.
According to the Spanish outlet Marka (opens in new tab), Arsenal are now in the best position to try and sign Felix. Aston Villa and their new manager Unai Emery, formerly of Arsenal, are also said to be interested, but cannot offer a deal as attractive as the north Londoners.
Patricia Cazone (opens in new tab) from Diary AS says the Gunners are now in league with the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain to make the signing – ESPN (opens in new tab)however says United are worried about transfer fee, while PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has explained that his club will not sign Cristiano Ronaldo (opens in new tab) – so Felix seems completely unlikely.
That means Arsenal, who tried to sign a left winger in the summer as a cover for their attacking options, spent the last few weeks of the transfer window chasing Pedro Neto. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined with injury, Felix could be an option on the left wing or center forward.
The only sticking point could be who Arsenal should negotiate with. The club signed defensive midfielder Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid in 2020 – and was seriously angry loss Colchoneros in the process.
Arsenal tried to tear Atletico down from their appreciation of Partey, although the Spanish side would not budge in the slightest. Ultimately, The Gunners activated the release clause in the closing hours of the transfer window, leaving Atleti without a replacement and upsetting them in the process.
Current Premier League leaders could find themselves being heavy-handed by Felix’s employers if they try to move ahead of him in January – and may want to pursue an easier deal like Shakhtar Donestk’s Mykhailo Mudrik.
Felix is ​​valued at €50 million by Transfer market (opens in new tab).
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A transfer for Dusan Vlahovic, a year after the Juventus attacker turned down a transfer to the Premier League, could well be a fact.
However, with Gabriel Jesus out of action for a while, plans to land Myhailo Mudryk may be put on hold. Arsenal are considering re-signing Yunus Musah, while Cody Gakpo is also an option. Joao Felix has emerged as a potential superstar signing at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli’s contract situation is being watched by Barcelona.
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