Arsenal are in talks over a loan move to release Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season.
Felix has struggled for consistency at the Wanda Metropolitano ever since making a nine-figure move from Benfica in 2019. Some have blamed Diego Simeone's negative tactics, though the Portuguese has never truly settled.
Last night, Felix and Antoine Griezmann lined up in a front pairing for Simeone at home to Barcelona, with Atletico losing 1-0. Now, it seems like this could be the last that Atleti fans see of the 23-year-old, with a January move imminent.
Los Colchoneros are reportedly interested in letting Felix leave this month on loan, with Premier League sides enquiring – and though The Express have confirmed Manchester United's interest, Arsenal are also in the mix, having lost Gabriel Jesus to injury last month.
The Mail claims that talks are continuing between the north Londoners and the Madrid side, as Felix's employers have asked for £13 million, plus additional fees, in order to secure the starlet for the rest of the season. The Gunners are said to want to bring in attacking reinforcements – but a deal that could cost up to £16m doesn't represent value for money.
This potential loan move doesn't spell the end of the Mykhaylo Mudryk pursuit, either. Shakhtar deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini has confirmed to TVfplay that, "Arsenal's interest is there, I can't deny it."
This would mean that the Gunners could well use Felix as a centre-forward in their system with Mudryk as an option on either wing, providing much-needed rest to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, while giving Eddie Nketiah more competition up front.
With Arsenal competing on three fronts – they take to the FA Cup against Oxford United tonight, with Manchester City awaiting the winner in the competition's fourth round – the Gunners may well need the reinforcements in order to sustain their title bid while going deeper in the Europa League.
Felix is valued by Transfermarkt to be worth around €50m.
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Could Arsenal make an a-list signing to bolster title hopes? A move for Dusan Vlahovic, a year after the Juventus forward turned down a Premier League transfer, could well be on – while Joao Felix is unsettled an attracting Emirates interest.
With Gabriel Jesus out of action for a while, some have claimed that plans to land Myhailo Mudryk may well be shelved, though others have claimed they're battling Chelsea for him. Arsenal are considering re-signing Yunus Musah, while Cody Gakpo is an option, too. Joao Felix has emerged as a potential superstar signing at the Emirates Stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli's contract situation is being watched by Barcelona, meanwhile.
