Aston Villa in fight to sign Portugal star Joao Felix with Arsenal as Atletico Madrid forward prepares to swap LaLiga for the Premier League in January following impressive World Cup

Aston Villa are lining-up an ambitious bid to prise Joao Felix away from Atletico Madrid in January, but face competition from Arsenal.

The 23-year-old looks set to depart the Wanda Metropolitano after falling out of favour under boss Diego Simeone.

Felix is keen for a fresh start away from Atletico

Felix has started just five LaLiga games this term, but he showcased his class at the World Cup with Portugal where he scored once and provided two assists.

Speaking to Sport TV earlier in the tournament, the ex-Benfica forward said: “The way you play here and at the club are different.

“When the conditions are favourable, things go better.”

It led Atletico owner Gil Marin to reveal the player is likely to leave in the near future, as he told TVE: “The relationship between the coach and him is not good, nor is his motivation.

“The most reasonable thing is to think about his departure, although I would love him to stay. But it is not his will.”

His availability has put a number of clubs on red alert, with ambitious Aston Villa lining up a swoop, according to The Athletic.

Felix chipped in with three goal involvements at the World Cup with Portugal[/caption]

It has been claimed that his agent Jorge Mendes is pushing for his client to join the Midlands outfit after helping facilitate Unai Emery’s appointment.

And he is keen to build on his strong relationship with Villa by negotiating the transfer of Felix.

But the news outlet insists that Arsenal, who have already enquired about Felix, could be an option in their quest to replace the injured Gabriel Jesus.

And Marca have revealed that the Gunners have ‘taken the lead’ in the pursuit of Felix.

Felix could swap LaLiga for the Premier League in the New Year[/caption]

While acknowledging Villa’s interest, the Spanish newspaper has insisted that Mikel Arteta‘s side have stepped up their interest.

They have said that Arsenal intend to be active in the New Year to continue their assault of a first Premier League title since 2004.

Marca also claim Manchester United and Chelsea could be tempted into making a move to sold their centre-forward issues.

While it remains to be seen whether Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich enter the race with the German side still yet to replace Robert Lewandowski.

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By: Jake Lambourne
Title: Aston Villa in fight to sign Portugal star Joao Felix with Arsenal as Atletico Madrid forward prepares to swap LaLiga for the Premier League in January following impressive World Cup
Sourced From: talksport.com/football/1274802/aston-villa-arsenal-joao-felix-atletico-madrid/
Published Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:30:36 +0000