ARSENAL have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Joao Felix with the striker keen to join PSG, according to reports.
Felix’s future at Atletico Madrid is uncertain amid reports he wants to leave the club.
Joao Felix wants to join Paris Saint-GermainGetty
Atletico CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín also revealed the club is open to letting Felix leave for the right price.
That has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs, some of whom sent scouts to watch the Portugal star at the World Cup.
But according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio, Felix has his heart set on joining French giants PSG.
However, it is not clear if PSG are interested at present with Arsenal thought to be leading the race for Felix’s signature.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa are also reportedly keen on the 23-year-old.
Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes has close links with Villa co-owner Sawiris after the Portuguese super-agent helped broker Emery’s recent move to Villa Park.
Mendes is pushing Villa as a realistic option for the hitman, who cost Atletico an eye-watering £113million when they signed him from Benfica in 2019.
However Villa boss Unai Emery is aware of Felix’s desire to play Champions League football on an annual basis and is drawing up contingency plans in case the striker snubs his advances.
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There are also concerns that Felix does not want to live in Birmingham or play for a club of Villa’s stature.
Felix has fallen out of favour and out of love with hardline boss Diego Simeone and wants a move, despite having three-and-a-half years of his current deal remaining.