Arsenal will have the edge over Manchester United if it comes to a bidding war between the two clubs for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports in Spain.
That is despite the fact the Red Devils are believed to have more financial firepower to focus towards a player who cost an enormous £113million just over three years ago. Atletico stumped up the eye-watering nine-figure sum to sign Felix, 22, from Benfica in 2019 but he has not lived up to the enormous expectations placed on him.
The youngster has failed to score in 11 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League this season, while manager Diego Simeone has regularly benched him recently. Felix's latest snub came against Club Brugge on Wednesday night, prompting him to throw his training bib to the ground in disgust.
His apparent unhappiness with life at Atletico has prompted a fresh wave of speculation regarding his future at the Wanda Metropolitano. Fichajes claims Felix could leave the Spanish capital and picked out Arsenal and United as two standout destinations for the player, who is no stranger to being linked with a move to the Premier League.
The report notes the Gunners are in the market for another attacker and their brilliant start to the season makes them attractive option for Felix and his posse. Emirates staff are said to be ready to make space for the Portugal international, while Mikel Arteta offers the chance to play a style of football more suited to Felix than the one he is accustomed to under Simeone.
However, Arsenal are not believed to be able to table a huge offer for Felix. This is where United come in, as they have enormous financial muscle and could put that towards a player they reportedly targeted during the summer.
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Fichajes claims Felix could be on the market as soon as January, when Cristiano Ronaldo may be pushing to leave Old Trafford once again. The report adds the Red Devils would have no problem paying what is needed to get the deal for Ronaldo's youthful compatriot over the line.
But one thing which counts against Erik ten Hag's side is their lack of Champions League football this season, as their sixth-place finish in the top flight condemned them to the Europa League. That being said, Atletico are in danger of dropping to the continent's secondary competition after a run of three games without a win.
After a 2-1 victory over Porto in the opening round of fixtures, Los Rojiblancos lost to Leverkusen and Brugge before playing out a goalless draw with the latter to leave themselves third in Group B.
