Arsenal are ‘big fans’ of Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, according to journalist Paul Brown.
The Lowdown: Out of favour
Having signed for Diego Simeone’s side three years ago as a 19-year-old in a deal worth an astonishing £113m, the Portugal international has not gone on to achieve what he would have hoped for when arriving at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Plagued by various injuries last season, since his return, Felix has not been entrusted as Atletico’s first choice forward.
In La Liga this term, the 22-year-old has featured just five times in Simeone’s starting XI – instead coming off the bench on a further four occasions. As a result, he is yet to score a goal this season.
The Latest: Brown’s claim
With reports Felix wants to leave Atletico in January, Spanish sources claim Arsenal are one of three Premier League clubs targeting a move for the youngster.
Brown also believes the Gunners have been interested in securing his services for a long time, making the possibility of a winter pursuit all the more likely.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed: "Arsenal have, for a long time, looked at Joao Felix.
"I think he's known very well to some of the hierarchy there, who are big fans and have been for quite a while."
The Verdict: Underused talent
Having joined the Spanish outfit in a deal which, at the time, was the fifth most expensive transfer in history, Felix’s talents are certainly going underused at Atletico.
When looking at his underlying stats, it is unclear as to why this is the case. As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the attacker ranks in the 96th percentile for assists per 90 minutes, in the 88th percentile for progressive passes and progressive carries and in the 78th for successful dribbles.
Hailed as ‘superb’ by journalist Alex Brotherton, Felix is certainly a talented player who quite obviously doesn’t fit Simeone’s system and style of play.
Therefore, if Arsenal did decide to test their resolve in January, we wouldn't be surprised to see the youngster take a leap of faith on a more attacking-based system such as Arsenal's.