Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been alerted to the availability of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, with Diego Simeone having reportedly changed his stance on the striker. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League again recently, and Antonio Conte seems to have leverage over Mikel Arteta.
Felix was deemed untouchable by the Spanish giants but the Atletico boss has since had a change of heart. And, with the north London rivals both in the market for candidates to bolster their respective frontlines this summer, the Portugal international has emerged as an exciting option.
According to BarcaTimes, Felix is no longer considered 'non-transferable' by Simeone and the striker's agent is in contact with a number of clubs - one of whom is said to be Paris Saint-Germain. His departure 'isn't ruled out', and should a suitable offer arrive, Atletico might not stand in his way through the exit door.
READ MORE: Manchester United 'join race' to sign key Arsenal transfer target as bid rejected
The Express are reporting that the Spanish giants may be willing to include Giovani Lo Celso, who enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Villarreal last season, as part of any deal involving Felix. The Atletico forward is currently valued at £103.7million, according to CIES Football Observatory.
Meanwhile, the Spurs midfielder is valued at £34.4million, meaning that a £69.3million bid could be feasible on any potential Felix transfer. With Arsenal yet to propose a more lucrative offer to the Spanish giants, Spurs have seemingly put themselves in the driving seat.
Felix was heavily linked with a move to White Hart Lane in 2019 prior to securing an eye-watering £114million move to Atletico, becoming the world's fourth most expensive player behind Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho. And, just days after penning a deal in the Spanish capital, he was asked whether a move to the Premier League could be on the cards in the future. He replied: "I don't know, maybe one day."
Felix, whose contract in the Spanish capital expires in 2026, enjoyed his best campaign for Atletico this season, contributing eight goals and four assists in 24 La Liga appearances before injury ended his season prematurely in April. He was named the club's player of the season in May, but is still yet to reach the heights expected of him.
Though, he has still managed to garner a wealth of interest from Europe's leading sides. And, in only March, Simone insisted that his player was 'happy' at the Metropolitano Stadium amid speculation regarding an exit.
The Argentinian said: "Joao Felix meets what the team needs. We have a way of working with the forwards. He’s doing very well, he’s happy, enthusiastic and it’s very important on an individual level so that he can later move on to the collective, which is what matters."
Simone seems to have since had a change of heart and Felix's exit looks to be well on the cards. With Arsenal and Tottenham both keen to sign a forward this summer, the Portuguese striker would be a welcomed addition to the Premier League.
READ NEXT:
Find out what’s going on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all the latest news
Tottenham news and transfers LIVE: Joao Felix offer, Antony price tag, Harry Winks talks
Full Tottenham Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Joao Felix price revealed after Atletico Madrid U-turn amid Arsenal and Tottenham transfer links
Tottenham stance on Gabriel Jesus transfer bid as Arsenal lead race for Man City star
