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Arsenal make progress in pursuit of Joao Felix this January

By Ritayan Chatterjee on December 16, 2022

Arsenal are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Joao Felix this January, as per the Spanish outlet AS (via the Mirror).

After the 23-year-old’s relationship with Atlético boss Diego Simeone broke down in recent times, the Portuguese is looking to find a new destination next month.

A previous report claimed that the north London club have been keeping tabs on the Atletico man for a very long time and they are big fans of the forward.

The Mirror cites the print version of AS as saying that Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the Portugal international’s current situation and aren’t willing to let go of a ‘golden opportunity’ to sign Felix this January.

The report further claims that the Gunners are ready to accelerate their efforts to lure the youngster to the Emirates Stadium next month and Mikel Arteta’s side believe their current league position could help them in securing this deal. And they are ‘moving up in the race’ to purchase the highly-rated forward.

Joao Felix to Arsenal

Joao Felix has failed to showcase his best at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium following his big-money switch from SL Benfica back in 2019. It has widely been thought that Simeone’s pragmatic style of football has prevented the talented forward from blossoming in the Spanish capital.

So, joining a team such as Arsenal who play an expansive brand of football might help the Portuguese in developing his career and reaching his full potential.

Arsenal could be a suitable destination for the Portugal international. The Gunners boss has shown over the years at the Emirates Stadium that he has the ability to guide young talents and help them develop. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are prime examples of that as they are currently showcasing their best at the highest level. Felix could also get the benefits of that if he were to join the club this January.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal will be able to win the race for Felix. The Gunners need to strengthen their attacking department this January in order to push for the title after losing Gabriel Jesus to injury, and the Atlético Madrid man would certainly be an excellent acquisition.

The youngster is valued at £43.5m [€50m] by Transfermarkt and it would be a terrific piece of business if Arsenal could sign him at that price, but it remains to be seen what Atletico will demand for his signature this winter.