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Barcelona Eye Up Move For Wantaway Atletico Madrid Forward

Barcelona Eye Up Move For Wantaway Atletico Madrid Forward

Barca are keen to bolster their attacking options.

Barcelona are keen to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old has struggled this season, scoring just one goal in his 14 appearances in all competitions.

Defending champions Atletico now find themselves fifth in La Liga after a run of three consecutive league defeats and Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda claims Felix wants to leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

"Joao Felix wanted to leave, but it has been complicated by his salary,” Inda said on Spanish football show El Chiringuito.

Felix is reportedly unhappy at the Wanda Metropolitano (Image credit: Alamy)
Felix is reportedly unhappy at the Wanda Metropolitano (Image credit: Alamy)

“[Diego] Simeone has given the go-ahead for his departure and it may be in the summer market, most likely.

“One of the clubs that love him is FC Barcelona, where he would fit in with the style.

"Barca would take him on loan with an obligatory permanent option."

Felix became the second-most expensive teenager in history when he joined Atletico in a £113m move from Benfica in 2019.

He helped Simeone’s side to the La Liga title last season but has struggled to fully justify his huge price-tag – which remains the fourth-most expensive transfer fee in history.

Despite his lack of form, Barcelona could make a move for Felix after losing Sergio Aguero to retirement.

The former Manchester City striker was forced to call time on his career earlier this month due to a heart condition.

The Portugal international has scored just once this season (Image credit: Alamy)
The Portugal international has scored just once this season (Image credit: Alamy)

Barcelona may look to the Etihad for Aguero’s replacement, with Spain international Ferran Torres reportedly high on their list of targets.

Torres faces stiff competition for places at City and could be allowed to leave the club for around £50m, according to MailOnline.

In addition to Felix and Torres, Barcelona have also been linked with a January move for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang has been training alone at Arsenal after being stripped of the club captaincy earlier this month over a disciplinary issue.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been linked with Barcelona (Image credit: PA)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also been linked with Barcelona (Image credit: PA)

The Gabon international represents a cheaper option than Torres, with a loan move in January a possibility.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has suggested he won’t have huge funds to spend in January.

Responding to reports that the Catalan club are interested in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, Xavi said: "We have to be realistic and think that it will not be easy to strengthen the team, there is a problem with the salary limits.

“We will see what happens, I don't know anything about Haaland, everyone would be interested."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, La Liga, Football, Transfers