Arsenal have reportedly initiated a pursuit of Joao Felix, the former Chelsea loanee, at the behest of their manager, Mikel Arteta. As reported by Football 365, Arsenal have contacted Atletico Madrid to inquire about the availability of the Portuguese international.
Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options by adding a new winger and striker, particularly after Arsenal finished as Premier League runners-up for the second consecutive season. His intent is to enhance the squad’s firepower to mount a more formidable challenge.
Last season, Kai Havertz displaced Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order for the number nine role. To increase competition for this position, Arteta is looking to bring in another number nine.
Simultaneously, the Gunners are also eyeing a new wide player, with Felix fitting the bill due to his ability to operate on both flanks and as a false nine. Despite high expectations, Felix has struggled to meet them in recent years.
Initially hailed as a prodigy at Benfica, Felix’s move to Atletico Madrid for €126 million was seen as a significant investment. However, his performance at Wanda Metropolitano has been disappointing, leading to loan spells over the past 18 months.
Felix spent the second half of the 2022-23 season on loan at Chelsea and the last season at Barcelona, failing to make a substantial impact at either club. Atletico Madrid are now reportedly open to selling him.
Atletico Madrid have set a €50 million price tag for Felix, but Arsenal are reportedly exploring a loan deal with an option to buy him permanently at a later date.
In another piece of news, former Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata praised Arsenal target Nico Williams for his performances at Euro 2024.
Williams, who plays for Athletic Club, scored the opening goal in Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the final. Mata commended Williams as the ‘most dangerous player’ in the first half, highlighting his finishing skills and ability to take on defenders.
Mata stated, “Everyone, of course, is obviously focusing on Lamine these days, but Nico, it’s not only the goal but the finishing and everything that he provides.
For me, in the first half, he was the most dangerous player for Spain, always getting into the position, one against one.” He added, “He can go right, he can go left, he can finish. He is always going against defenders. He is fantastic.”
Nico Williams had an outstanding season with Athletic Bilbao, helping his team win the Copa del Rey. He scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.
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