Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has reportedly targeted a different La Liga striker to Joao Felix after growing doubts over the Atletico Madrid striker. The Gunners are expected to consider dipping into the January transfer market for a new forward following the injury Gabriel Jesus sustained to his right knee.
Felix is said to be on his way out of Diego Simeone's side after finding himself below Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezemann in the pecking order. Reports over the last few weeks have claimed Atletico would be inclined to allow the striker to join a Premier League club on loan, with Manchester United and Chelsea joining the Gunners in the chase for him.
Mikel Arteta had his worries eased on Boxing Day when Eddie Nketiah scored in the 3-1 win over West Ham. The Hale End graduate repaid the Arsenal boss' faith in him with his first league goal of the season to answer critics that he isn't the man to lead the line during Jesus' absence.
READ MORE: 'Perfect replacement for Gabriel Jesus' - Arsenal fans praise Eddie Nketiah after West Ham goal
But as the January window approaches, it's expected that the Gunners will continue to seek out a short-term replacement. However, according to El Confidencial journalist Kike Marin (via the Daily Express), Arteta has doubts over Felix and has targeted another La Liga striker.
"According to my information, #Arsenal has sounded out his signing, but Arteta has doubts and prefers another La Liga striker," Marin tweeted.
The journalist's report comes after news from Italy stated Atletico were planning to use Felix in a swap deal to snatch Dusan Vlahovic. The Juventus striker, like Felix, faces uncertainty over his future and has been sounded out by Colchoneros in a deal that would rule out two possible incomings for Arsenal.
Should Marin's words be true, it's likely the Gunners will act fast in their pursuit after Arteta insisted the club will be trying to complete business early in January.
Arteta said: "We know the importance of getting players early in the summer and this is the same we want to do in January. This is idealistic."
READ NEXT:
Shakhtar Donetsk set new Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer fee as Arsenal prepare second January bid
Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Jesus, Smith Rowe - Arsenal injury news and return dates before Brighton
Shakhtar Donetsk respond to Arsenal's initial £55m Mykhaylo Mudryk bid amid January transfer hope
Stan and Josh Kroenke spotted at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal make bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
