Manager reacts to alleged Arsenal target talks

Joan Laporta, who claims Barcelona have been in talks with Atletico Madrid over a transfer for Joao Felix, does not ‘surprise’ Diego Simeone amid new links spearheading Arsenal interest Sports.

The Blaugrana president recently came forward and revealed that his Camp Nou side tried to sign the Portuguese talent last summer while discussing the departure of Antoine Griezmann. The Catalan giants were forced to sell the Frenchman amid their financial crisis and finally agreed to a loan.

Atleti were handed a €40m (£34m) clause to make the temporary move permanent at the end of the season goal. The Colchoneros can also defer payment by a year and keep him on loan until 2023. And the idea of ​​​​recording Felix is ​​again not considered.

Laporta wanted Barcelona to replace Griezmann with Felix as the Camp Nou boss is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old. But talks with the Portuguese star stalled before he began a season of eight goals and six assists in all competitions after 30 games so far.

“I really like Joao Felix,” Laporta said RAC1about quotation marks from Fabrizio Romano. “It’s a pleasure to see him play football. Last summer we worked to secure a swap deal with Atletico between Joao Felix and Griezmann, then it fell through.”

Barcelona speak out for Arsenal target Joao Felix doesn’t ‘surprise’ Diego Simeone

Felix Atletico Madrid’s future remains a topic of discussion ahead of the next transfer window, with Barcelona still keen and Arsenal also joining. goal noted in March that his agent Jorge Mendes ‘doesn’t stop’ forcing a transfer and that Atleti know Blaugrana want him.

In the meantime, football.london Note Mikel Arteta is considering Felix as he is targeting two forward signings this summer. The Gunners are in the center forward market, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in June to reduce their depth in the position.

Barcelona, ​​who are courting Felix, come as no surprise to Atletico Madrid boss Simeone given what Arsenal’s transfer target offers his side. However, the Argentine tactician also notes that the forward is happy at the Wanda Metropolitano and committed to achieving the La Liga side’s goals.

“It doesn’t surprise me that a president as intelligent as Laporta speaks so correctly about Joao,” Simeone said called. “But I live from day to day and game to game. Now Joao Felix is ​​comfortable and committed to what the team needs. He gives and because he plays.”