Arsenal ‘want’ Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster attacking options

Arsenal are said to be interested in Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options in the next transfer window.

The Gunners will be looking to recruit a striker following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s sale to Barcelona, and the potential outgoings of Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette in the summer.

Felix, who has three goals and three assists in La Liga this season, could be a potential option for Arteta but the Gunners may be forced to splash out. 

Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix is a reported target for Arsenal in the transfer window

Felix has made 100 appearances since sealing £120M move from Benfica in summer 2019

 According to El Chiringuito (via Sport Witness), the Gunners have gots their eyes on the Portguese forward and could be preparing to make a bid in the summer.

Journalist Eduardo Inda said: ‘Joao Félix is a very good player. Arsenal want him.

 ‘[Diego] Simeone, if he continues, he wants to bring [Valencia striker Goncalo] Guedes. His objective is to change Joao Félix for Guedes.

‘The problem that Atlético has is that he cost 120 million euros and recovering it is something that can only be done if it is sold to the Premier.’

Portuguese forward has scored 23 goals during his time with the La Liga champions

 Felix joined Atletico for in a huge deal worth £120M from Portuguese side Benfica, having scored 15 league goals in his first season for the club.

However the 22-year-old hasn’t kicked on as many would have thought and has a disappointing three goals midway through his third season in Madrid. 

With Atletico looking to recoup a large amount of their initial fee, and Arsenal primed to make big movements in the summer, this is certainly a deal to be keeping an eye on.