Arsenal make transfer U-turn as Arteta seeks to buy World Cup star, Man Utd 'confident' of loan deal

Arsenal may look to buy Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, with Manchester United also confident of bringing in the Portugal star on loan, according to a report.

The relationship between Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and Felix has broken down completely, with the club’s record signing likely to leave the Spanish capital this January.

The chance of the Spanish club recouping anything close to the £113million they paid for the 23-year-old back in 2019 is minimal, given how his development has stalled since.

In turn, it has been widely reported that the player, and his agent Jorge Mendes, are trying to organise a loan move.

Arsenal, United and Chelsea have all allegedly been offered Felix on loan, though at present each side has bulked at their eye-watering £18.6million fee proposed by the Spanish giants.

However, reports are now claiming that Arsenal may pursue a permanent fee for the star, while United are becoming increasingly confident of securing a loan fee.

Galetti's Joao Felix update

Reputed journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that Arsenal are considering pursuing a permanent deal for Felix, provided a reasonable deal can be secured. Reports had previously claimed that Arsenal were only interested in a loan deal for the player.

Galetti added on Twitter that United are also confident that a loan for Felix can be secured before the January deadline day.

The journalist tweeted: “Joao Felix, head to head to decide his future.

“[On the] Man Utd side the confidence is growing after the recent opening of Atleti to a loan with option.

“[On the] Arsenal side [an] internal green light to buy the player, if the deal conditions are considered satisfactory.”

Both clubs are in need of a new forward in the winter window. Table-topping Arsenal have limited striking options after the injury sustained by £45million summer signing Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s side need a new number 9 after the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month.

Topics: Football, Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix, Arsenal, Manchester United, Portugal, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.