Arsenal are experiencing a promising campaign at the moment but despite the form of the Gunners, the club are still searching for upgrades in the transfer market.
Mikel Arteta wants a new striker in particular. “We need one who puts the ball in the net," he told Sky Sports. "That's priority number one. Any successful team needs enough goal threat in the squad.”
It makes sense considering Pierre Emerick Aubameyang joined Barcelona in January, and Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract at the end of the season. The club tried to sign Dusan Vlahovic in January but Juventus ended up landing his signature, forcing Arsenal to reconsider their options.
In recent weeks, the club have been linked with a number of players to fill the void in the summer, including Joao Felix.
The Atletico Madrid striker is still just 22 years-old, but he's been tipped for a switch to the Emirates and based on his profile, he does seem to be a suitable long-term replacement for Lacazette.
As Arsenal have improved under Arteta, Lacazette has occupied more of a withdrawn role. The striker has retreated into midfield on a regular basis this season, allowing the likes of Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to run beyond him.
He's been compared to Roberto Firmino at Liverpool due to his movements away from goal and willingness to feed others, and Felix seems to possess a comparable skill set.
Rather than scoring a countless number of goals every season, Felix has operated as more of a link player for Diego Simeone. He guides counter-attacks and allows his teammates to benefit from his awareness, speed of thought and technical ability in tight spaces.
The Portuguese striker is naturally inclined to behave like Lacazette, but the Gunners could have one big problem if they try to sign him.
Felix has a contract in Madrid until 2026, and players on long contracts generally don't move. He'd cost an excessive amount of money if he was to sign, especially considering Atletico bought him for over £100m in 2019.
Despite the slim chance of Felix moving to London, supporters should be encouraged by the rumours surrounding Arsenal's interest, as he does fit the mould of a suitable heir to Lacazette.
Other players from across Europe who play in a vaguely similar manner include Amine Gouiri, Kai Havertz, Jonathan David, Angel Correa and Memphis Depay, although one or two of those names would be impossible for Arsenal to sign.
It remains to be seen who the Gunners will eventually bring to the Emirates, but the club must get it spot on and links with Felix suggest they are on the right track.
