Could Arsenal REALLY sign Joao Felix? The state of play

Cameron Smith

• 13 Dec 2022 12:26 GMT
• 3 min read

Joao Felix is on the verge of leaving Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants keen to offload the forward in order to raise funds to improve their financial situation.

The Portuguese international has been an underwhelming signing for Atletico since arriving in the Spanish capital for €127 million in 2019, with just 33 goals in 129 appearances for Diego Simeone's side.

Since exiting the Champions League in the group stages, reports have emerged that Atletico need to sell several stars in order to rectify their financial woes. Felix is among the players that Atleti are keen to offload and he looks the most likely to leave.

READ: ‘Arsenal lead final sprint to sign Joao Felix’

At just 23 years old, the former Benfica star still has plenty to offer and that can be seen by the list of elite European clubs interested in signing him.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all in the race to add Felix, while Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side are also keen on signing him to provide yet more depth to their attack.

Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk has also been heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, but that seemingly hasn't dissuaded the Gunners from pursuing Felix.

READ: Premier League 2022/23 January transfers: All the Done Deals

Joao Felix to Arsenal?

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Felix's agent is currently in the process of speaking to clubs around Europe to negotiate a deal for his client.

There have been reports that Arsenal are now leading the race for Felix, with the Gunners chasing a new forward following news of Gabriel Jesus' injury ruling him out for several months.

However, Romano has revealed that: "Despite some reports about Arsenal moving into a strong position, my understanding is that there are no favourites at this stage for Joao Felix."

But, it still remains possible that Arsenal are able to land Felix, especially given their current position at the top of the Premier League table, which could entice the youngster to opt for the Gunners over other interested clubs.