Arsenal could pounce on the potential signing of Joao Felix in the upcoming January transfer window. But for the Gunners to stand any chance, Mikel Arteta’s side must be in a strong position to finish in the Champions League places ahead of next season, which is already the case as the north London side leads the league table by five points.
The Gunners finished the summer transfer window with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as the forward options going into the season. A lot of pressure has been placed on both forwards with a heavy fixture schedule due to the Europa League, and this will continue after the new year as Arsenal progressed to the knockout rounds.
However, this could be eased in January with the arrival of Felix. And the Gunners have been given a boost in securing his signature as Edu has a chance to offer a six-month audition before eventually deciding to complete a full transfer.
READ MORE: Didier Deschamps' shock William Saliba France decision hands Arsenal perfect transfer blueprint
According to Spanish news outlet AS, Atletico Madrid will allow Felix to leave the club on loan after receiving no offers for the forward. The Portugal international has found game time limited in the first few months of the season.
This is why Arsenal have an excellent chance to pounce on Felix’s transfer situation. According to Spanish news outlet El Chringuito, Arsenal were interested in signing the Portuguese star last season. The report went on to claim that a deal was possible because Diego Simeone wants to replace him with another attacker.
However, the Gunners would not be the only club interested in the forward’s signature. This comes after Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claimed that PSG are also interested in signing Felix. Discussions are reportedly already underway between the French club and agent Jorge Mendes.
The forward was highly touted by Europe’s biggest clubs after his amazing Europa League run with Benfica during the 2018/2019 season. It was Atletico Madrid who signed him later in that summer for a blockbuster £114million transfer, as the youngster was tipped to become one of the world’s best players.
However, since joining the La Liga side his growth has taken a hit due to a clash in the style of play between him and Simeone, which has not been helped by the delay in injuries. Despite the differences between the player and the manager, Felix has still displayed glimpses of the quality he can bring when given the freedom to express himself.
Felix would certainly be a good signing for the Gunners. But, competition for his signature is already showing to be difficult meaning Arsenal would have put themselves in the best negotiation position to be able to complete a deal.
With the forward having signed a seven-year contract with Atletico Madrid in 2019, it has made another club signing him permanently extremely difficult as the Spanish club can demand a high transfer fee due to the longevity of his contract, but a loan move eradicates an expensive deal for Arsenal and they can see if he is worth the potential high transfer fee at the end of his loan.
Have your say on the Gunners’ season so far by taking part in the Big Arsenal Forum !
READ NEXT:
Arsenal World Cup latest with Saka's Golden Boot surprise, Saliba blow and Turner denied by Bale
Mikel Arteta's key role in Pep Guardiola Man City renewal as Arsenal rivalry is set up
New Bukayo Saka price revealed after Arsenal star shines at World Cup amid Edu contract decision
The games Arsenal defender will miss as injury is confirmed to disrupt 'shining light' loan deal
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
