JOAO FELIX reportedly favours a “bigger club” than Aston Villa in an apparent boost to Arsenal’s hopes of securing his signature.
The 23-year-old has been linked to a host of Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.
Felix has lit up the World Cup at times with flashes of brilliance and registered two assists and one goal in his four appearances before Portugal’s exit.
The Atletico Madrid player is expected to leave the Spanish capital after falling out of favour with the club.
Aston Villa were reported to be one of the club’s interested in him, but according to Spanish newspaper Marca, that is looking unlikely.
Marca has reported that Felix isn’t interested in moving to Birmingham to join The Villans and is hoping for a club with “more substance and history”.
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New boss, Unai Emery, will be a level of attraction for new recruits, but it seems not enticing enough for Felix.
Arsenal could appear a more attractive proposition than Villa – who, unlike the Gunners have won the European Cup – due to their position at the top of the table and far better recent history.
Mikel Arteta’s side are without Gabriel Jesus for up to three months following the Brazilian’s injury in Qatar, leaving a vacancy up top that Felix could occupy.
The Portuguese creator made the move to Madrid in 2019 for £113million, but it’s said the club would be willing to let him go on loan.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil admitted that despite him rating Felix very highly it is likely he could leave.
He told Spanish broadcaster TVE last week: “He is the biggest investment the club has ever made and I think he is at the highest level in the world in terms of talent.
“I would love him to continue, but that is not the player’s idea.”
