Arsenal target Atletico Madrid star after Mikel Arteta request

Arsenal are targeting Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports in Spain.

The Portugal international has struggled to live up to expectations following his £113 million move from Benfica in 2019.

According to El Chiringuito, Diego Simeone would be open to letting Felix leave Atletico this summer if the club are able to sign Valencia’s Goncalo Guedes as his replacement.

It’s claimed that Arsenal have already expressed their interest in signing the 22-year-old, while Mikel Arteta is intent on signing a new striker this summer after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic in January.

However, Arsenal could struggle to match Atletico’s valuation as the club will not want to take a major hit on their £113m outlay.

Felix still has over four years remaining on his current deal with Atletico and has a release clause of €350m (£291m).

Earlier this month, Simeone hit back at Felix after the Portugal international suggested the players knew the reason for the club’s poor performances this season.

Atletico currently sit fifth in La Liga and 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

‘I think we all know what the problem is [with the team], I don’t want to say though,’ Felix said in an interview with The Athletic.

But when asked about Felix’s comments, Simeone replied ‘About what Joao said, you can ask him.

‘I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know.’

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