Arsenal transfer boost in race for Joao Felix with Atletico Madrid willing to let star striker leave on January loan

ATLETICO MADRID are willing to let Joao Felix leave on loan in January, according to reports.

The Portuguese star is unhappy in the Spanish capital, having endured a rocky relationship with manager Diego Simeone.

Felix, 23, has drawn plenty of Prem interest – with Arsenal and Manchester United leading the race.

The Gunners want to strengthen their forward line, with Gabriel Jesus currently out injured.

While Man United want to fill the hole in their squad left by the axing of Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to the Daily Record, Atletico will let Felix go on a January loan deal for an £8million fee.

They will also require his wages paid in full, in order to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

The report adds that a loan deal will NOT include an option or obligation to buy.

Felix has started just five of Atletico’s 14 LaLiga matches this season.

He arrived at Atletico as a £113m replacement for Antoine Griezmann in 2019.

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Felix has scored 33 goals and laid on 18 assists in 129 appearances since making the switch from Benfica.

Earlier this month, Atletico chief Gil Marin admitted that the forward was likely to leave in the coming months.

He said: “The reasonable thing is to think that he is leaving, although I would love him to continue.

“But that is not the player’s idea. He is the biggest bet the club has made.

“I think he has the highest level in the world, but because of his relationship with the coach, the minutes played, his motivation... the reasonable thing to do is to consider his departure if an offer comes in.”;

Felix played well at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring against Ghana and laying on two assists against Switzerland.

Speaking about his player’s form, Atletico manager Simeone said: “I want Atletico to win, that’s my sole focus.

“Then what has to happen will happen. No one is indispensable and things will be as they have to be.

“He had a good World Cup, he participated in goals. Hopefully we can have the Joao of the World Cup... I hope we can give him the peace of mind and joy to show what he demonstrated in the World Cup, which was very good.”;