Watch: Fabrizio Romano has BIG Man Utd, Arsenal & Joao Felix update
Both Manchester United and Arsenal would love to bring Joao Felix to the Premier League this month but do they stand a chance of getting their main attacking target? Fabrizio Romano has provided a critical update about the unfolding situation.
United are keen on signing a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last November after an incendiary interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo’s exit has saved the club around £16million in wages but the Glazers are unwilling to finance a big outlay as they are currently trying to sell the club.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad for an unexpected tilt at the Premier League title.
Felix is desperate to leave Atletico Madrid after falling out with Diego Simeone and the club have accepted they have to offload the Portugal international, who joined the club in a record £130million deal just three years ago.
But Atletico won’t leave Felix go on the cheap and they’re seeking £18.3million in order to let him leave on loan for the remainder of the season. The package covers Felix’s wages, as well as a down payment for the period of the loan deal.
In a previous update, Romano said: “United, as of today, have no intention of paying €19million, close to €20million, for a six-month loan because Atletico are only open to two kinds of deals; paying more than €100million for a permanent deal or loan deal with a fee and salary covered.
“United don’t want to accept these kind of conditions. They like the player, they’ve had conversations but they don’t want to pay that kind of fee just for a few months of Joao Felix.”
Things have changed over the past few days, however. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist said: “There has been a meeting in the past 24 hours, Jorge Mendes [the player’s agent] has flown to Madrid to speak with the Atletico Madrid CEO about Joao.
“Why? Because Manchester United have confirmed with Mendes that they really like Joao Felix and they want Joao Felix.
“Arsenal have also told Mendes that Felix would be a really concrete option for them, so both clubs have confirmed their interest in the last few hours and days.
“Mendes is speaking to Atletico because they are asking for more than €15million, which is closer to €18million when considering the taxes and stuff, for a simple loan of six months.
“Atletico are asking for important money and they know there is also a chance he will stay. Mendes is trying to understand if these conditions will change as United and Arsenal are really interested but with different conditions.”
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