Arsenal Target Atletico Madrid Forward to Replace Aubameyang

Arsenal Target Atletico Madrid Forward to Replace Aubameyang

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:56 PM
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  • Arteta is believed to have requested Arsenal to make a summer move for Atletico's Joao Felix who has been struggling at Wanda Metropolitano
  • Arsenal will be keen to add reinforcements in their attacking department in the summer following the exit of Aubameyang
  • Aubameyang swapped the Gunners for Barcelona during the January transfer window following a fallout between him and Arteta

Premier League giants, Arsenal, are reportedly looking to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

The Portuguese ace has struggled to live up to his billing at Wanda Metropolitano, more than two years after his sensational transfer from Benfica that cost Atletico a whopping £113 million.

Atletico Madrid's Portuguese forward Joao Felix celebrates after scoring a Champions League goal (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP)c
The 22-year-old striker still has more than four years left on his current contract with Atletico and is believed to have a release clause of €350m. Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS.
Source: Getty Images

According to Metro UK citing sources in Spain, Atletico boss Diego Simeone would be more than willing to let Felix depart the La Liga club this summer.

Arsenal hunting for Aubameyang replacement

It’s claimed that the Gunners have already made clear their intent to sign Joao Felix, with Mikel Arteta keen on signing a new striker this summer to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who joined Barcelona in January.

However, it remains to be seen if Arsenal can match Felix's valuation, with Atletico understood not to be willing to take a major hit on the £113m that they splashed to land the ex-Benfica star.

The 22-year-old striker still has more than four years left on his current contract with Atletico and is believed to have a release clause of €350m.

Simeone, Felix fallout

Meanwhile, reports linking Felix to the Emirates come just days after Simeone appeared to have fallen out with his player.

Earlier this month, the Atletico boss hit back at the Portugal international after the forward suggested he knew why the club are struggling this season.

"About what Joao said, you can ask him," Simeone said when asked about Felix’s remarks.
"I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know," the Argentine added.

Arsenal in talks to sign Napoli star

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over the possibility of signing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz in the summer.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was desperate to add a versatile midfielder within his ranks during the January transfer window but ended up without one.

Napoli are understood to be more than willing to offload the 25-year-old but potential suitors must meet his £16 million valuation fee.

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Fred Kennedy
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