Joao Felix continues to be strongly linked with a Premier League move in January after his relationship with Atletico boss Diego Simeone appeared to sour. The 23-year-old has caught the attention of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, with all three clubs far more interested in a loan than a permanent deal.
Despite the relationship between the manager of Atletico and Felix seeming fractured, Simeone quickly rebuffed those claims. "It’s a good, working relationship," he said. "Since I’ve been at the club I’ve never stopped, beyond some differences that exist between people, and we can’t agree on everything, looking to do the best by the club, until the last day whether it’s me or the footballers. [It’s about] Giving everyone’s maximum."
Although a short-term loan move could greatly benefit all three clubs in their respective pursuits of silverware, Atletico's demands appear to be a huge stumbling block. Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, has contacted multiple English clubs to lay out possible terms for a loan until the summer.
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A €21million (£18.5million) package for the remainder of this season has been proposed which would include a €15million (£13.2million) loan fee going to Atletico, and the rest covering the player’s wages. These claims have been enough to see Arsenal and United cool their interest, at least for the time being.
Despite the Portuguese attacker's future seeming set to be elsewhere, he played an important role in the Spanish outfit's 2-0 win against Elche last week. Felix grabbed a goal early into the second half former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata scoring the second.
Following the game, Simeone provided more comments on Felix, but was quick to not focus more of his efforts on discussing his future. As quoted by AS, he said: "I keep commenting the same as days ago. I'm thinking about the players who are here with me and trying to squeeze them. Bring out the best for the club. After what has to happen has to happen."
Despite his goal, a potentially huge hint has been dropped on his transfer future after Atletico revealed their squad for their Copa del Rey game against Real Oviedo tonight (Wednesday).
23 players are included in the list but Felix's name is absent which could be sign of his impending departure if Atletico have lowered their demands. However, there could be another reason for is omission with a possible injury or illness keeping him out of the squad, nonetheless it is certainly one to keep an eye on.
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