Arsenal target Joao Felix is a ‘really interesting profile of player’ for Mikel Arteta’s side, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid in recent weeks after reportedly experiencing tensions with outspoken manager Diego Simeone.
Arsenal transfer news – Joao Felix
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed in a column for CaughtOffside that Felix is ‘open to leaving’ the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium as ‘there are tensions with Diego Simeone’.
“Joao Felix is a special talent, but we know his situation with Atletico Madrid has not been easy,” said Romano. “He’s had a good relationship with the club and the fans, but there are tensions with Diego Simeone.
“This is why he’s now open to leaving Atletico Madrid in 2023 – we’ll see if it’s in January or in the summer. It’s not true that Felix has asked to leave, but he’s open to a move.”
Spanish sources have listed Arsenal among Felix’s list of potential suitors over the last few months, while Jones has previously informed GiveMeSport that the capital club have monitored his progress for a long time.
What has Jones said about Felix?
Jones has now disclosed to GMS that he believes Felix would fit in well at the Emirates, although doubts Atleti would allow him to depart on loan.
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He said: “I think Joao Felix is a really interesting profile of player in terms of what he could bring to Arsenal in the absence of Jesus. Would Atleti really let him go on a loan? I doubt it; this is a player they've invested in heavily.
“He has obvious frustrations around playing time, but a temporary transfer will probably be tricky, even though it's clear he could do with a new environment at this moment.”
How good is Felix?
Felix moved to Atletico from Benfica in a £113 million deal back in 2019 and he has registered a slightly underwhelming 33 goals and 18 assists in 129 appearances since, as per Transfermarkt.
The technically gifted star, who earns £240,000-per-week, has put up some impressive underlying numbers in the last year, though, highlighting his top-class potential.
As per FBref, Felix has ranked in the 99th percentile for interceptions, 88th for progressive passes, 85th for completed dribbles, and the 82nd for shot-creating actions amongst his positional peers over the last 12 months.
Those figures have seen Felix lauded as “phenomenal”, and he would be considered a significant coup for Arsenal, especially given Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury setback.