Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Joao Felix with the Atletico Madrid star said to prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Felix's future in Spain looks to be reaching a conclusion with Atletico CEO Gil Marin revealing the club are set to "consider potential bids".
The 22-year-old has struggled to make a significant impact at Atletico and over three years on from being purchased for £113million from Benfica, looks set to depart the Spanish club especially following Marin's comments on his future.
Marin said: “Joao Felix has top level but because of his relationship with Simeone and game time… we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him."
READ MORE: Manchester United eye ideal Joao Felix transfer plan amid Arsenal and Chelsea talks
Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are all also interested in Felix, while Bayern Munich pulled out of the transfer battle last week. Marca then reported Arsenal were leading the race to sign Felix after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco.
Felix enjoyed a fruitful campaign with his national team in Qatar scoring against Ghana and grabbing two assists against Switzerland, with Felix subtly admitting his preference to playing for Portugal over Atletico: “The way of playing with Portugal and then at the club is different. When the conditions are favourable, things go better," he told Sport TV.
The future of Felix seems destined to be away from Atletico although Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio insists the Spanish club are trying to keep him, but if he does leave he won't be heading to Arsenal.
Speaking to Dutch outlet Soccernews, he said: “I don't think that Joao Felix will go to Arsenal because he wants to play for Paris Saint-Germain. Atletico Madrid don't want to lose him at all and they are asking €130/140 million for him.
"Paris Saint-Germain would be a logical choice if he does leave Atlético. After all, there are not that many clubs that can afford to pay him and PSG are interested in young players for the future.
"They would have cover from Mbappé or Neymar. Or so that they have a replacement when Messi's contract expires."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal 'scout' £26.5m Danilo alternative despite Mykhaylo Mudryk January transfer decision
Eddie Nketiah is already changing Arsenal transfer plans with Gabriel Jesus transformation
Arsenal’s Beth Mead and Bukayo Saka chase down Mohamed Salah to become Fans' Footballer of 2022
Why Arsenal and England hero Bukayo Saka should win 2022 Fans' Footballer of the Year award
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
