Atletico Madrid are thought to have no problem when it comes to parting ways with Joao Felix, albeit if the right pay conditions are met, amid interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal.
The former Golden Boy winner is reportedly keen to exit the Wanda Metropolitano, though his reasons are rumoured to stem solely from his poor relationship with manager Diego Simeone. The future of the Atletico boss is also up in the air with his contract up this summer, meaning he may not be at the helm of the Spanish giants beyond the rest of this season.
If that were to be the case, there's every chance Felix would be keen to remain an Atletico player in the long run, but as for now he is desperate for a new challenge.
In terms of exit methods, a loan spell elsewhere seems like the most likely option as things stand but Atletico are not against a permanent departure providing the buying club is willing to fork out €100million (£88m) for his signature.
The odds of either of United or Arsenal parting ways with that kind of money in the January transfer window are slim to say the least. It is for that reason a temporary loan move seems a more realistic prospect for the time being.
Atletico have made their feelings on a loan clear - it would be a straight six-month spell away from the club without any option or obligation to buy clause inserted into the deal.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Felix sign for in January? Comment below
For that loan to go ahead, either United or Arsenal must part ways with an £8m loan fee - but the costs don't stop there. Atletico are expected to also request that Felix's salary is covered in full by the loan club, which could prove a sticking point in negotiations.
Spanish outlet AS have claimed that Erik ten Hag's men and the Gunners are the two sides leading the clamour for Felix's services, with both clubs looking to fill a void left in their respective front-lines.
From United's perspective, they have lost Cristiano Ronaldo permanently after his controversial exit, while Mikel Arteta is currently prowling the market trying to find a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
Felix undeniably has the talent to play for either side, but has been accused of being too inconsistent by some sections of the Atleti faithful since his mega-money move in 2019.
Simeone was recently grilled over his relationship with Felix and responded with what some have interpreted as a subtle dig at the forward.
"I want Atlético and I want them to win, that’s all I’m focused on. After that, whatever will happen will happen. Nobody is indispensable and things will have to be as they are," the Argentine told Marca.
"Joao is very important. He had a good World Cup, he scored goals. Hopefully, we can have the Joao of the World Cup. Hopefully, we can give him the peace of mind to show what he showed in the World Cup, which was very good."
Should the "Joao of the World Cup" fail to turn up for Atletico, his time in the Spanish capital could be nearing its end.
