‘Hopeful’: Arsenal now think new talks will see them move closer than ever to signing £90m man – journalist
Journalist Ben Jacobs has said that Arsenal are ‘hopeful’ over signing Joao Felix and believe the next round of talks could provide a breakthrough.
Felix is one of the players Arsenal want to sign this month. Along with Mykhaylo Mudryk, Felix is seen as the ideal signing to further boost Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
The Portuguese star is said to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid. Arsenal and Manchester United have been interested, although Old Trafford officials are not keen on paying what Atleti want in terms of a loan fee.
And taking to Twitter last night, Ben Jacobs has claimed that the next round of talks will crucial for Arsenal.
In the thread, Jacobs notes how Atletico are purposely pitting teams against each other in the race for Felix.
The Spanish side are thought to value Felix at the £90m mark. Arsenal, though, want an obligation to buy set at no more than £70m. It’s thought the Gunners would also need to pay a loan fee of at least £5m, as well as covering a similar amount in wages.
Felix is seen by Mikel Arteta as an ideal back up and competition for Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker is currently injured, and it remains to be seen how well he’ll come back.
Our View: Arsenal need to keep pushing now United are out
It very much seems like Manchester United have left the door open for Arsenal here. Felix is a talented player who has just lost his way a tad and the Gunners can get the best from him.
With such an opportunity, you feel it would be silly of Arsenal not to capitalise now. With the league title within their grasp, landing a player like Felix might just get them over the line ahead of City.
