Aston Villa dream of ‘ultimate’ Joao Felix signing as Fabrizio Romano drops update
Aston Villa have identified Joao Felix as their main target to replace Moussa Diaby, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his Daily Briefing (26 July), Romano claimed that Atletico Madrid forward Felix is the dream target for the Villains.
He said: “Aston Villa are dreaming of João Félix. He’s the ultimate target, especially for Unai Emery who’s a big fan of the player and he’d love to work with him.
“It’s still early, nothing advancing now, but one to watch. Let me clarify guys that it’s a complicated deal because it’s very expensive on fee and salary, but Villa want to try.”
Aston Villa want to replace Moussa Diaby with Joao Felix
Emery was dealt a blow to his new season preparations when club-record signing Diaby moved to Al-Ittihad after only one season in the Premier League (Sky Sports, 24 July).
The French winger traded Champions League football at Villa Park for the riches of Saudi Arabia after scoring 10 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions last season.
On paper, the deal makes no sense for Aston Villa as they record a £2m loss on a player they parted £50m to sign from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
But, with the emergence of Emery’s interest in Joao Felix, the club may have parted ways with Diaby to fund a move for the Portuguese forward.
Felix has been on the fringes in Madrid for a few seasons after two loan spells with Chelsea and Barcelona with mixed success and can play anywhere across the forward line.
The 24-year-old scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances for Barcelona last season but a permanent deal is unlikely due to the Catalonian’s financial troubles.
Aston Villa have already been active in the transfer market so far, securing deals for Ian Maatsen, Cameron Archer, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Illing-Junior, Jaden Philogene, and Amadou Onana ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Emery is putting together a side capable of competing on both domestic and European fronts next season and Felix would be the ultimate statement of intent for the club.
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