There has been another twist in Aston Villa’s pursuit of Joao Felix, throwing another player into the mix.
Aston Villa’s presence in the summer transfer window has gone quiet in comparison to how it started for Monchi and Unai Emery.
The duo got to work fast in a bid to first relieve Villa’s PSR concerns and then replenish the squad, with seven new faces arriving at Bodymoor Heath.
While a lot of money has been spent and a lot of changes have been made, Monchi’s work in the market is far from over.
Aston Villa’s hopes to sign Joao Felix could now rely on Jhon Duran
Throughout the summer, Villa have been linked to Joao Felix, whose future at Atletico Madrid remains unclear.
The 24-year-old returned to his parent club following a loan spell at Barcelona, with Villa being one of the clubs said to be keeping tabs on his next move.
This week, Fabrizio Romano shared an update on Felix, with another twist now brought to light by journalist Hector Gomez.
The reporter took to X to state that Villa ‘have the green light’ from the player however, the next step could depend on Jhon Duran.
“Aston Villa has shown its formal interest to Atletico Madrid to sign Joao Felix and that they will make their offer when they close the transfer of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia because they will have cash and above all space in FFP.
“They have the green light from the player to go. This is a personal challenge for Emery because he thinks he can make him a star. Initial offer will not reach 40M € because they know that the market value today is not the €60m that Atletico is seeking.”
Duran’s future could now determine whether Villa sign Felix
It’s clear based on reports that Villa are hoping to secure Felix’s signature this summer however, Gomez’s stance on the transfer saga throws Duran into the mix.
The Colombian’s time at Villa is in jeopardy after he disrespected the club on social media amid links to West Ham.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa now at risk of ‘messy’ transfer situation as concerning Jhon Duran update emerges
While the Hammers have recruited an alternative to the 20-year-old in Niclas Fullkrug, there is reported to be interest from Saudi Arabia for Duran, keeping Villa’s options to offload the striker open.
It would be a shock to see the Colombia international’s future go in the direction of the Saudi Pro League however, if such road leads to Villa signing Felix, many will be satisfied with the business.
For now, all fans can do is watch the madness unfold as transfer deadline day draws closer by the minute.
