Man Utd and Arsenal on high alert as Joao Felix becomes available for just £8m

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Manchester United and Arsenal have received a major boost in their hopes of signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix with news that he could be available for just £8 million during the January transfer window.

The Portuguese international impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but is still expected to leave Atleti in order for the Spanish giants to raise funds following their Champions League group stage exit.

Felix is one of the players who is likely to leave the club this winter, with interest mostly coming from the Premier League. Man Utd and Arsenal are currently the two clubs most interested in signing the former Benfica star, and could now be able to sign him for a cut-price fee this January.

READ: How Man Utd could line up with Joao Felix

According to the Daily Record, Atletico are willing to let Felix leave on loan in January, and simply wish any interested party to pay an £8m loan fee and the player's wages in full.

Atleti's demands are that the Financial Fair Play costs of Felix's current contract are covered in full by any club keen to sign him. His annual wage at the club is £15.9million, and Atleti will also reportedly demand an interested party to pay an £8m loan fee and the player's wages in full.

Man Utd and Arsenal have both been heavily linked with a move for Felix and this gives both clubs the chance for a short-term fix to their current attacking crisis. The Red Devils have lost Cristiano Ronaldo following the termination of his contract, while the Gunners will be without Gabriel Jesus for the foreseeable future after he suffered a serious injury while on Brazil duty.

READ: How Arsenal will line up with Joao Felix

Atleti chief on Joao Felix future

Earlier in December, Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin admitted: "The reasonable thing is to think that he [Felix] is leaving, although I would love him to continue. But that is not the player's idea.

"He is the biggest bet the club has made. I think he has the highest level in the world, but because of his relationship with the coach, the minutes played, his motivation...the reasonable thing to do is to consider his departure if an offer comes in."

Simeone also commented on Felix, stating: "He had a good World Cup, he participated in goals. Hopefully we can have the Joao of the World Cup...I hope we can give him the peace of mind and joy to show what he demonstrated in the World Cup, which was very good."

Felix's current contract at Atleti isn't due to expire until 2026, but he's likely to leave in January, either on loan or permanently.