Aston Villa are in talks with Atletico Madrid for Joao Felix as Unai Emery seeks a marquee signing after selling Moussa Diaby.
According to Sport, Aston Villa are pressing ahead with their pursuit of Joao Felix after opening talks with Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese international does not want to play under Diego Simeone, while a move to Barcelona seems unlikely. Hence, Unai Emery’s side have a good enough chance to prise him away in this window.
Aston Villa negotiating for Joao Felix
Aston Villa’s management sees Joao Felix as a market opportunity, with the player available for a transfer. Recently, some reports stated that Villa had abandoned the chase despite early interest, which might be attributed to the finances involved in the deal.
They were considered front-runners at one stage, but their chances were depleted on paper, especially because of Barcelona’s apparent interest. The Blaugrana are delaying a transfer because they are prioritising Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, meaning any move for Felix might be seen as complementary rather than a priority.
With the Portuguese international no longer interested in working with Diego Simeone, he will want his future sorted out before Atletico Madrid begin their pre-season preparations. Hence, he might be open to other offers, such as from Aston Villa, who are looking for a marquee signing.
Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks with Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants keen on achieving more than €50 million from his sale. Benfica were keen and had formulated an offer which would see Atletico retain 50% of his rights. That could still be the case with Aston Villa in the form of a sell-on clause of sorts. For Aston Villa, there is an opportunity to bring the €50 million-plus-rated Portuguese international back to England.
Villa have funds following Moussa Diaby’s sale
Aston Villa were under the PSR scanner earlier but has done very well to move away from it with some exceptional sales of their critical stars. Moussa Diaby was the latest to depart in a reported €60 million deal to Al-Ittihad, meaning the club have the funds to bring in Felix.
Ideally, they would replace Diaby with a like-for-like winger, but it appears that Emery has other ideas and would see Felix as that replacement. For now, talks are underway for the Portuguese international, as things could get moving in the coming period should Felix show an interest in moving to Birmingham.
