Aston Villa need Atletico Madrid to scale back their calls for for Joao Felix to round £50m to £60m if they’re to proceed with plans to signal him completely this summer season, 90min understands.
The West Midlands membership have been linked with the Portugal worldwide in current days as they go in quest of squad additions forward of their participation on this season’s Champions League.
Sources have instructed 90min that Villa really feel they will now transfer extra freely within the switch market following the £50m sale of Moussa Diaby to Al Ittihad, and can be keen to pay that sum, or perhaps a little bit extra, to safe a prime alternative.
Unai Emery is the principle driver behind Villa’s curiosity in Felix – he overtly admitted final 12 months to wanting Felix, however felt he was unattainable on the time. This example has now modified and Felix is now open to becoming a member of Villa as a result of Emery’s pedigree and the lure of Champions League soccer.
Emery additional believes Felix can be the right match for the no.10 function behind Ollie Watkins – the participant’s most popular place, however one he has barely performed lately, typically as an alternative being utilised on the wing.
Atletico are decided to promote Felix this summer season with the intention to recoup a few of the £111m they paid for him in 2019. Any funds raised from a sale may very well be spent on Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, with the Blues nonetheless demanding a price within the area of £50m. Arsenal goal Mikel Merino is one other cheaper possibility mentioned by Atleti.
Villa can be open to a mortgage with an possibility or obligation to purchase Felix depending on the price, although membership sources insist they’re in a wholesome monetary place heading into the brand new monetary 12 months, partly as a result of Champions League qualification.
Talks are usually not superior over a deal as Villa need to perceive the phrases of a possible switch and the place Atletico are ready to decrease their calls for.
Felix has had different choices this summer season having turned down a brand new strategy from Saudi Arabia, whereas Barcelona want to re-sign him following final season’s mortgage spell and he would give his approval to a return there if the funds enable for it.
However Barca are unlikely to have the ability to match no matter package deal Villa can put forth and any cash spent by La Blaugrana is more likely to go on Nico Williams first.
