Joao Felix transfer news: Man Utd ‘loan’ option & Arsenal ‘interest’ as attacker ‘offered’ to five clubs

Joao Felix continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United, as the club search for a new striker.

The Red Devils are light of options up front following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo last month, leaving Anthony Martial as their only recognised centre-forward. Cody Gakpo was on United’s radar prior to Liverpool securing his signature, a deal which will have come as a blow to the Red Devils.

It’s Felix who is now dominating the United transfer headlines, and we’ve taken a look at the latest news surrounding the Portugal international.

What’s been reported?

As per the Times, Atletico Madrid are asking for an £8m loan fee for Felix and that his wages are covered in full, meaning the final figure for a short-term deal would be close to £16m, demands the Red Devils are not willing to meet. In contrast, a report in France has claimed United are close to agreeing a deal with Atletico.

Journalist David Ornstein has also stated United are keen on bringing Felix to Old Trafford, although only if that’s on loan. “They are looking at somebody like Joao Felix, if they can do that loan deal. There will be a number of other options,” he told NBC Sport. “The only name I’m hearing at the moment is Joao Felix, if the numbers come down on a loan basis.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report that United and Chelsea have been put off by Atletico’s asking price, with Arsenal enquiring about the attacker’s availability. Journalist Ben Jacobs also tweeted to say Felix has been offered as a straight loan deal with no option to buy to United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Reports in Spain have repeatedly claimed this season that there is growing tension between the Portugal attacker and Atletico manager Diego Simeone. However, the latter denied that earlier this week and explained he and the player ‘can’t agree on everything’.

When does Felix’s contract expire?

The 23-year-old’s contract at the Wanda Metropolitano expires in June 2026, and Atletico’s hope to recoup at least some of the £113m they paid for Felix in 2019.

What has Erik ten Hag said?

Ten Hag has already admitted United would like to sign a striker in January, but revealed that will be impacted by ‘financial criteria’.

“We are looking for offensive players, we are looking for a striker,” he said following United’s win over Nottingham Forest. “It would be good because of all the games coming. We are playing every third day and it is tough.

“I think we are always in the market, but it has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria. We do what we can to bring in any player we can. For the progress of the team, we need to be more clinical.”

Which other strikers have United been linked with?

ESPN recently reported that Alvaro Morata is also of interest to United, should Atletico allow him to leave on loan, while Memphis Depay has been linked with a return to Old Trafford in recent weeks.

Rennes attacker Martin Terrier has is another who emerged as a fresh rumour in the last few days, with Tottenham Hotspur also credited with interest in the Frenchman. Goncalo Ramos, Victor Osimhen and Tammy Abraham have previously been linked with a move to United, although speculation surrounding the trio has lessened in recent weeks.