Diego Simeone says Joao Felix’s transfer future does not depend on him amid rumours of Chelsea and Arsenal chasing the Atletico Madrid striker.
A deal to take the Portuguse player on loan for an £8million fee, plus his wages in full, is said to have put a number of teams off signing Felix in January after a reported rift with Simeone.
However, the 23-year-old showed his worth on Thursday with a fine display against Elche, after which Simeone responded to rumours over Felix’s future.
“I make my normal comments,” he told reporters.
Deadlock. Broken! 🔴⚪️@AntoGriezmann turns provider again, this time for @joaofelix70... no surprise there! 😉#LaLigaTV pic.twitter.com/cRjVU7vGHc
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) December 29, 2022
“I think of the players who are with me, getting the best out of them for the team and for the club.
“What happens [in the market] does not depend on me. He played well with [Antoine] Griezmann and [Alvaro] Morata, and gives us options which do no harm.”
Felix made it 1-0 to Atletico in the 56th minute, shortly after Mario Hermoso was dismissed for the hosts.
Antoine Griezmann had earlier missed a huge chance after a delightful backheel by Felix but the points were secured with Alvaro Morata’s late goal.