Aston Villa could win the race for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix because working with the ‘world-class’ Unai Emery at Villa Park ‘is a bit of a pull’, journalist Jacque Talbot has told GiveMeSport.
Having been appointed as the Villans’ head coach in October, Emery has the opportunity to freshen up the squad he inherited from Steven Gerrard ahead of the January transfer deadline.
Aston Villa transfer news – Joao Felix
According to the Daily Record, Atletico are willing to sanction Felix’s departure during the winter window on loan.
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The report suggests the Portugal international could be acquired for the remainder of the season by forking out an £8million fee.
Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been pushing for him to make a switch to the Midlands after he built a strong relationship with Villa’s hierarchy, having played a pivotal role in Emery being handed the managerial job.
Although they may have been boosted in their pursuit thanks to fellow suitors Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea having reservations over meeting Atletico’s demands, the 23-year-old does not see relocating to Birmingham as an attractive prospect.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Villa are holding discussions over whether to put forward a proposal after Felix has been pushed in their direction.
What has Jacque Talbot said about Felix?
Talbot believes Emery’s move into the Villa dugout has boosted their chances of winning the race for Felix’s signature.
Although the journalist still feels a move to Villa Park is unlikely, he is refusing to rule out the possibility.
Talbot told GiveMeSport: “They’ve got a new manager now who is very, very competent, so there is that as well.
“That is a bit of a pull because he is a world-class coach. But, personally, I can’t see that happening for Villa.”
Would Felix be a good signing for Villa?
There is no doubt that Felix would make Villa more of a threat in the final third of the pitch as, according to Transfermarkt, he has already found the back of the net 54 times during the early stages of his senior club career.
Emery would certainly make a statement of intent by drafting in the former Benfica star, who became the fifth most expensive acquisition in history when he completed a £113million switch to Atletico in 2019.
Felix shone at the World Cup, where Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot were the only Portuguese stars to better his 7.1 WhoScored rating.
FBref data shows he has averaged more goals and assists per 90 minutes than current Villa attacking quartet Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho this season.
Felix would be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad and, if there is a deal to be done, he should not hesitate in aiming to reach an agreement.
