Arsenal have entered final discussions with agent Jorge Mendes to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix in January, French outlet Le 10 Sport claim.
The Gunners are aiming to strengthen their frontline in January. A new striker is a priority after the knee injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup.
The Brazilian could be on the sidelines for another 10 weeks and the club need a marquee striker that can sustain their Premier League title challenge.
It was recently revealed that Arsenal are favourites to sign Felix on loan for £8 million and Le 10 Sport now claim that talks are in the final stretch with Mendes.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are in contact with Felix’s representative. A Premier League move seems a certainty with Paris Saint-Germain no longer keen.
Arsenal must beat United to Felix’s services
Arsenal currently have Eddie Nketiah as the only specialist striker after Jesus’ injury. Gabriel Martinelli can slot into the position but manager Mikel Arteta would not want to disrupt his progress.
The Brazil international has been hugely impressive for the Gunners from the left wing this season and Arteta may not want to play him in a new role during the back end of the campaign.
Hence, a marquee striker could be signed in January. Felix would be a shrewd signing for the Gunners as Atletico Madrid are prepared to accept a temporary deal for his services.
The Spanish giants were initially holding out for £88 million to sell him, but are now willing to accept an £8 million loan deal, provided his £240,000-a-week wages are fully paid.
The move would cost around £13m for five months, but it is a risk that the London giants must consider as they have a genuine opportunity of winning the Premier League this season.
Felix’s form has been patchy with three goals and four assists from 18 games this term, but he has averaged just 45 minutes per appearance. In our view, he would prosper at Arsenal with regular starts.
The Portuguese star has struggled under manager Diego Simeone at Atletico, but could flourish at Arsenal due to the more fluid playing style involving quick transition in the final third.
