Joao Felix has been told that he is welcome to stay with Atletico Madrid by manager Diego Simeone. The Atleti boss rubbished rumours of a poor relationship between the pair despite Felix's agent holding talks with Premier League clubs over a possible transfer.
Reports over the last few weeks have claimed Atletico would be inclined to allow the striker to join a Premier League club on loan, with Manchester United and Chelsea joining the Gunners in the chase for him. Chelsea are said to also have held negotiations over a potential move for Felix with Todd Boehly thought to be prepared to act swiftly to conclude a deal for the Portugal international.
The 23-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since arriving at Atleti back in 2019 after completing a £110million move from Benfica. His World Cup performance showed that he still has the ability to perform at the highest level, but now Felix has a huge decision to make regarding the next step of his career.
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It seems more than likely the Portuguese forward will depart Atletico either this January or in the summer, but Simeone has left the door open in case Felix wants to come back in. Speaking to the media ahead of Atleti's match against Elche, the Argentinian boss said: “It’s a good, working relationship.
"Since I’ve been at the club I’ve never stopped, beyond some differences that exist between people, and we can’t agree on everything, looking to do the best by the club, until the last day whether it’s me or the footballers. [It’s about] Giving everyone’s maximum.”
The 23-year-old striker has only scored four goals and provided a further three assists for Atleti so far this season, with pundits claiming he may be better suited to a more attack-minded team. Simeone stated that if Felix brought his Portugal form back to Madrid, he would be a crucial part of the team.
“What matters to me is the team and he is important to the team," he added. "If he shows us what we saw in the World Cup, he will be very important. He has the conditions and talent and the team needs his qualities.”
Chelsea are considering a move for Felix despite signing David Datro Fofana from Molde, with the 20-year-old likely to head out on loan. The Gunners have seen a bid of £55million including add-ons rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk for winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and could move for Felix if a deal proves unsuccessful.
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