Arsenal are 'sceptical' about their chances of luring Joao Felix to the Emirates Stadium despite being identified as 'the most serious contenders' to land the Atletico Madrid star, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but boss Mikel Arteta could still choose to freshen up his squad during the January window.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
Arsenal transfer news - Joao Felix
According to Spanish sources, Arsenal are the frontrunners to swoop for Felix despite being met with stiff competition for his signature.
The report suggests Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, along with reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, are also in the hunt for the Portugal international's services.
However, Felix's agent Jorge Mendes is believed to be pushing for a switch to Aston Villa as he has a strong relationship with the Midlands outfit's owners after playing a pivotal role in Unai Emery being appointed as their head coach.
Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil has told Spanish media outlet TVE, via MailOnline, that the 23-year-old is seeking a way out of the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and suitable offers will be considered after falling out with boss Diego Simeone.
Felix has been on his current employers' books since sealing a £113million switch from Benfica in 2019 and Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that the in-demand attacker is ‘open’ to sealing a Premier League move.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Dean Jones said about Felix?
Jones understands that reports have suggested Arsenal are now leading the way in the race to end Felix's Atletico nightmare.
But, having spoken to contacts about a potential transfer, the journalist is aware that a move to north London is not a foregone conclusion.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I've seen a lot about Arsenal becoming the most serious contenders for him.
"But the people I speak to around the club do seem slightly sceptical about that happening."
How did Felix perform at the World Cup?
Portugal's dream of winning the World Cup in Qatar came to an end when they suffered a narrow quarter-final defeat to Morocco on Saturday.
But Felix performed well during the tournament and his standout performance, according to WhoScored, came in the 6-1 thumping of Switzerland in the last 16.
He was handed an 8.7 match rating, which was only bettered by hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos, as he claimed two assists.
Sofascore statistics also show that Felix contributed at both ends of the pitch, with him averaging 2.8 shots and one tackle per outing.
Having been put on the market by Atletico, he certainly used the World Cup to his advantage and put himself in the shop window.
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