Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing 22-year-old Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
According to a report by Cadena SER, as relayed by Calciomercato, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United are reportedly engaged in a transfer tussle to sign Joao Felix. The 22-year-old could be on his way out of Atletico Madrid soon.
Joao Felix joined Atletico Madrid on a big-money move from Benfica in the summer transfer window of 2019. Widely regarded as one of the most highly-rated footballers in the world, the Portuguese forward was expected to be a long-term successor for Antoine Griezmann. However, he has struggled to make an impression in the last two years and is yet to nail down a first-choice berth.
To date, the 22-year-old has turned out 88 times for Atletico Madrid, chipping in with 20 goals and 11 assists in the process. However, his future at the Wanda Metropolitano is uncertain, with the reigning La Liga champions considering the possibility of cashing in on him. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The interest from Arsenal makes sense, considering Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang face uncertain futures at the Emirates. Interestingly, both Aubameyang and Lacazette have been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, with the latter, in particular, preferring a switch to the Wanda Metropolitano.
As for Liverpool, the Reds have also been linked with Felix on previous occasions. The eagerness to sign Felix is unsurprising, with Roberto Firmino on the wrong side of 30, while Divock Origi has his future up in the air despite his recent exploits. So Felix could be a long-term solution in the attacking unit for Liverpool.
Manchester United hold a long-standing interest in Felix, having tried to sign him before his move to Atletico Madrid. The continued pursuit of the 22-year-old is understandable, considering Cristiano Ronaldo is only a short-term solution, while Edinson Cavani has been linked with a possible move away from the club.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s interest in Felix stems from their recent takeover, which has created a lot of expectations over an impending squad overhaul. Felix could be an upgrade on most attacking players, but it is unclear if he will prefer a move to a club that is in a relegation battle, keeping in mind Atletico Madrid’s status as La Liga champions.
A separate report provides further clarity on the suitors’ pursuit, with Liverpool initiating contact with Jorge Mendes, while Arsenal and Newcastle have also approached Atletico Madrid. Where Manchester United stand in their pursuit is unclear, though. So, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Felix, but it will not be surprising to see the 22-year-old leave the La Liga champions soon.