Arsenal Newsnow: Arsenal is making more of an effort to finalize a loan move for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix in the next January transfer window
Arsenal Newsnow: Arsenal, according to a report in Mirror, has made a formal offer for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix. To shore up their weak spots for the remainder of the season, the Gunners will likely be active buyers during the winter transfer window.
After falling down the pecking order at Wanda Metropolitano, Felix may be the first victim of Atletico’s rebuilding strategy. Despite the high expectations placed on him after his 2019 move from Benfica, Felix has failed to live up to those expectations. This, led Diego Simeone to wonder whether it would be time to part ways with the youngster.
Despite Atletico’s ridiculous asking, Manchester United remained his most interested suitor. To reduce the loan cost, Arsenal plans to hold more negotiations. Because of Gabriel Jesus’ injury, they are in a tight spot. But they are in a good position to sign winger Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Arteta would want to have more than one choice available to him.
The Gunners have been performing consistently this season. So paying Felix’s massive salary of £250,000 shouldn’t be an issue. Premier League leaders have been very careful when handling the depth of their roster since any setback may upset their current winning streak.
Jorge Mendes, Felix’s agent, has reportedly already offered his client to many European clubs. He will actively pursue a move for his client. Atletico has not yet budged from their position, although they do not have much financial clout to exert pressure.
Will the Gunners get Joao Felix?
Due to their terrible performance in the Champions League, they will need to sell certain players in order to balance their books. Joao Felix’s discussions between Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have heated up. Atletico Madrid is asking a loan price of £9.5 million and a commitment to purchase at £70.5 million.
After falling out of head coach Diego Simeone’s plans, the attacker is free to depart the Wanda Metropolitano. The Portugal international has struggled to maintain high performance levels since his club-record transfer from Benfica four years ago. United is now in the lead to sign him. Manager Erik ten Hag wants to add him to increase his attacking options. In November, the Dutchman tore up Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, leaving him short on attackers.
Agent Jorge Mendes met with Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday to submit United’s initial offer of a direct loan of £3m and a promise to pay the player’s salary, signalling an intensification of their pursuit of the player.
The La Liga heavyweights have already rejected that offer. They are demanding a response from United by the middle of the week as to whether or not they would match their value. It has been reported that United has the first choice on Felix and has 48 hours to match any bid submitted by any team.
