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Villa transfer news: Offer to be made for £113m forward once Diaby leaves?

Villa identify £113m forward as Diaby replacement?
© Reuters
Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up whether to press ahead with an offer for a forward that once cost £113m.

Aston Villa have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix as a concrete summer transfer target.

In recent weeks, speculation has persisted that the Portugal international is a desired signing of head coach Unai Emery.

However, given the finances involved in his transfer to Atletico in 2019, there is considerable doubt over whether negotiating a deal is plausible.

While Villa have earned a place in next season's Champions League, they have already spent a portion of the current transfer window battling to adhere to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Furthermore, they are allegedly on the brink of pushing through a £50m deal for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

Aston Villa's Moussa Diaby in action on August 3, 2023© Reuters

Diaby sale to boost Felix hopes

Nevertheless, Villa will seemingly soon be in a position where they will have their coffers substantially boosted through the sale of Moussa Diaby.

Should the France international link up with Al-Ittihad in a transfer that could reach £60m, Villa will be in the market for a replacement.

According to talkSPORT, Villa officials are giving serious consideration to trying to acquire the services of Felix.

Despite costing £113m as recently as five years ago, Atletico will have to be realistic over their valuation if they want to sell the versatile playmaker.

There are still five years on Felix's contract at Civitas Metropolitano, a factor which will ensure that there is no chance of a cut-price fee being agreed.

That said, if Felix has no future at Atletico, the hierarchy at the Spanish outfit will be eager to find a positive resolution as soon as possible.

Barcelona's Joao Felix celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid on December 3, 2023© Reuters

Barcelona return unlikely?

Barcelona remain in the hunt for a reunion with Felix, who contributed 10 goals and six assists from his 44 appearances in all competitions.

However, with the Catalan giants waiting to activate the release clause of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, any move - permanent or temporary - for Felix is realistically off the table.

That can only boost Villa's and Benfica's - another of Felix's former clubs - hopes of convincing him to continue his career at their respective clubs.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Portugal's Joao Felix pictured on June 26, 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


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