Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - August 21, 2022. Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix reacts.
Aston Villa have officially registered their interest in signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix in January, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Exit on the cards
The Portuguese international still has four years remaining on his deal at the Metropolitano Stadium, but his future has become uncertain after reports last month claimed that he is ready to make the move elsewhere in the winter.
Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin has backed up these suggestions by admitting that a deal is likely to take place, which has alerted several clubs, and there’s a chance he could be on his way to the Premier League.
The Latest: Villa make Felix contact
According to 90min, Villa are ‘keen to talk’ to Felix, and their initial contact has ‘not been dismissed’ by Diego Simeone’s side.
Unai Emery is believed to carry ‘substantial pulling power’, though the Spanish giants ideally want a deal worth ‘at least’ £100m to recover as much of the £113m they paid for him as possible.
A loan currently looks the ‘most likely scenario’, with a switch to the top flight not ‘impossible’.
The Verdict: Splash the cash
Felix has been described as a ‘nightmare’ for defenders by talent spotter Jacek Kulig, and whilst £100m is a huge sum of money, NSWE should splash the cash to land him.
The Viseu native has clocked up 51 goal contributions in 129 appearances for Atletico and is a versatile player with the ability to operate in three different positions (Transfermarkt).
Also a mainstay in Fernando Santos’ national squad, Felix is a player in high demand and it would be a massive coup for Villa should they be able to secure his services.
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