Aston Villa received a huge boost in their pursuit of Joao Felix after the attacker held talks with Unai Emery.
Despite their many incomings throughout the transfer window so far, Emery still has one big signing in mind.
Throughout the past few weeks, Villa has been chasing Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix in what would no doubt be a statement signing.
The Portuguese international was once brought by the Spanish side for £113 million despite him being a teenager at the time.
However, things have not worked out in the capital for the 24-year-old and he has spent the last year-and-a-half out on loan, most recently at Barcelona.
This has prompted talk of another move from Atletico with Villa believed to be the major party interest.
Now, the club has received a huge boost in the race for the attacker’s signature after Felix held talks with Emery.
Read more: Every confirmed signing and departure Aston Villa have made this summer.
Joao Felix to Aston Villa edges closer
Felix had previously spent time in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign. Here, the attacker was sent on loan to Chelsea in an unsuccessful spell which only saw him score four times in 20 games.
However, this has not deterred the striker from wanting to give England’s top division another go.
According to CaughtOffside, Felix has already held talks with Emery over a potential move. Here, the Portuguese international expressed his desire to return to the Premier League, giving Villa a huge boost in the saga.
Felix’s former club Benfica are also rumoured to be in the running for his signature on loan.
Despite this, Atletico’s preference is to find a permanent solution for Felix. As a result, Villa are attempting to offload Jhon Duran to West Ham to finance the deal which is currently stopping the move from being completed.
However, Atletico may be open to the possibility of letting Felix go on a loan deal with a compulsory purchase added in 12 months.
If all goes well, the attacker is expected to sign a four-year deal at Villa Park and will compete with Ollie Watkins up top.
Joao Felix should not be Aston Villa’s priority
As much as Felix would be a sensational signing, if Villa are low on money, they should not be going all out for the attacker.
A striker is currently unneeded at Villa Park with Watkins, Duran and Cameron Archer all capable of filling this role.
On a more alarming note, the club only have three fit centre-backs going into the new campaign.
This needs to be Villa’s priority, especially after their defensive woes in 2024. As soon as a new centre-back is sorted, the club can then focus on Felix, but at the moment, it could prove to be an unnecessary signing.
