Arsenal have had 'conversations' with £124m star's agent at the Emirates

GiveMeSport

scores

By Danny Rust

Published Dec 24, 2022

Arsenal have had 'conversations' with the agent of a £124million transfer target ahead of the January window opening for business, it has been claimed.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League group A match between Arsenal FC and FK Bodo/Glimt at Emirates Stadium on October 06, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal have held talks with super-agent Jorge Mendes over Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix potentially heading to the Emirates Stadium, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

The Gunners will resume the Premier League campaign sitting five points clear at the top of the table, but boss Mikel Arteta could still strengthen his squad when the winter window opens next month.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Arsenal transfer news - Joao Felix

According to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Felix's agent has been in discussions with Arsenal over a potential switch during the early stages of 2023.

The report suggests Mendes has also been in dialogue with fellow suitors Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich as he seeks a route out of Atletico for his client, while Chelsea are another club showing an interest.

It has emerged that Felix's current employers are seeking up to £124million, while Arsenal are thought to be leading the race to conclude a deal.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil has revealed that the attacker wants to seal his departure following a falling out with boss Diego Simeone and offers will be entertained when the transfer window reopens.

Reliable journalist Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Felix is 'open' to heading to the Premier League.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Felix?

Romano understands that Arsenal have held talks with Mendes over whether a mid-season move for Felix could become a reality.

However, the respected journalist feels it will be tough for the Gunners to get a deal over the line if Atletico are holding out for more than £88million for the Portugal international.

Romano told GiveMeSport: "It's true they had conversations with his agent, Jorge Mendes.

"But it depends on the conditions of the deal because if it's more than €100million, I think it is going to be difficult."

Would Felix be a good signing for Arsenal?

Arsenal have suffered a major blow during the break from domestic football, with Gabriel Jesus being forced to undergo surgery after sustaining a knee injury while representing Brazil at the World Cup.

While the tournament ended on a sour note for the north Londoners' frontman, Felix shone and put himself firmly in the shop window ahead of next month.

According to WhoScored, Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were the only Portugal teammates to better his average match rating of 7.1, while he led the way for shots per game.

Although Felix emphasised that he is a major threat in the final third of the pitch by scoring one goal and registering a further two assists, he also demonstrated that he will not shy away from his defensive duties by averaging one tackle, 0.3 interceptions and as many clearances per outing.

The 23-year-old has racked up 82 goal contributions during the early stages of his senior club career and a Premier League title challenge with Arsenal would surely be of interest.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here