Reports indicate that Arsenal has made contact with Joao Felix’s representative, Jorge Mendes, over a possible January move.
As his relationship with manager Diego Simeone has deteriorated and he has been given fewer playing chances, the Portugal international is ready to quit Atletico Madrid.
Joao Felix moving to Arsenal?
Numerous teams, including Arsenal, have shown interest in signing Felix since he became available on the transfer market. It has been speculated by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano that the Gunners have also reached out to Mendes. A journalist from Italy recently commented on GiveMeSport:
“Yes, they did talk to Jorge Mendes, who is his agent. But it depends on the terms of the deal. I think it will be hard if the amount is more than €100 million.”
With a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City in the Premier League standings, Arsenal finds itself in the first position. If they want to keep their playoff spot until the conclusion of the season, they’ll need to make some smart moves in the transfer market in January.
On the other hand, they’ll have some serious competition for Felix’s signature. Mendes has reportedly had conversations with PSG and Bayern Munich, citing Corriere dello Sport. Chelsea is also keeping tabs on the forward’s condition.
Although Felix played well for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, his team was eliminated by Morocco in the quarterfinals. In four tournament appearances, he contributed one goal and two assists.
What did Mikel Arteta say about the upcoming transfer deals?
Arteta has recently said that the Gunners would try to strengthen their roster in the next January transfer window to address the lack of depth and quality in the current roster.
According to Evening Standard, he stated: “We’re going to be busy, and being busy means we want to make the team stronger. This team still doesn’t have the option of not making the most of every chance. This is very important, so we have to do it.”
The Spanish manager, however, emphasized that Arsenal has to make smart additions to their roster in January.
He said: “But then we have to find the right player with the right profile to get us to the next level. We will always be busy on the market. We will look at the best chances we have.”
He added: “You know that a lot of teams with new coaches and new owners will probably get into a position that has never been seen or experienced before. But we know that and we have to act on it.”
Arsenal’s bid for the Premier League title will continue tomorrow against West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium (December 26).
