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According to multiple reports, Arsenal are ahead of the pack as a host of clubs battle for the signature of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
THE LOWDOWN: GROWING INTEREST
Arsenal have been reported to be one of five teams interested in signing João Felix from Atlético de Madrid in the January transfer window.
The 23-year-old Portugal international joined Los Rojiblancos in 2019 for a club record fee but despite all the promise he has shown, he has never been able to seal a spot in Diego Simeone’s side.
Three-and-a-half seasons later, the Madrid side are ready to cut their losses and part ways with the former Benfica youngster and have put him on the market.
THE LATEST: ARSENAL LEADING THE WAY
Arsenal have held an interest in the player and almost signed him in the summer. However, Manchester City put Gabriel Jesus on the market and Mikel Arteta, who worked with the Brazilian at City before taking up the manager role at Arsenal, went for the former Palmeiras prospect instead.
Jesus is now injured and will be out until February at the earliest and the Gunners are planning to go back for Felix. However, they face an uphill battle as four other clubs have also declared their interest in signing the 23-year-old.
Manchester United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are the other clubs in the mix but Spanish outlet Marca reports that Arsenal are leading the race. The Athletic , however, reports that his agent, Jorge Mendes, is pushing for him to join Unai Emery at Aston Villa instead.
THE VERDICT: STILL UNLIKELY
Mendes represents Emery and has a good relationship with the owners of Villa. He would prefer a linkup between two of his clients to help strengthen that relationship. Felix’s decision, however, is unknown but the reports are suggesting that he may end up at Arsenal as the Gunners have made the most progress with Atlético concerning a deal.
Should Felix leave in January, Atlético have their sights set on signing a replacement from the Italian Serie A. Lazio man Luis Alberto is their prime target and his €20 million price tag is well within the club’s limits.
