‘This is an interesting one’: Sky journalist shares update on ‘exciting’ Arsenal target besides Mudryk

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Over the coming days and weeks, there’s bound to be a lot of news and speculation on the Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal transfer saga.

However, the Ukrainian star isn’t the only player the Gunners are reportedly looking to sign in the January transfer window.

Arsenal are also trying to bring Joao Felix to the Emirates Stadium from Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

Now, Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on the state of play involving the Gunners and the Portuguese talent.

“This is an interesting one,” he said on Sky Sports News, via the SSN website’s live transfer blog (3/1/23, 17:31).

“It’s emerging that Atletico Madrid would allow Joao Felix to go on loan until the end of the season.

“We’re told negotiations are ongoing between Arsenal and Atletico over a possible loan signing of Felix.

“But this is where the stumbling block is – for a six month loan, including wages Atletico want in the region of £19m. Just for six months.

“Arsenal don’t want to play that. They want to come to a realistic figure for that amount of time.

“With regard to the actual loan, it would work for both parties if they can secure the price.

“Potentially exciting – they’re in for both Felix and Mudryk.”

The Sky Sports website also provided an update on talks between Arsenal and Felix.

Atletico reportedly wants ‘in the region of £19m for a six-month loan deal which would include wages.

However, ‘Arsenal feel that it is too much and will only pursue a move if the figures are right.’

The report also claimed that a loan switch for the 2026-contracted forward ‘works for both clubs’.

Arsenal looking to make waves in January window

Felix is out of favour under Diego Simeone, but the club wants to maintain his market value ahead of a potential summer sale.

Despite his current issues at the Wanda Metropolitano, Felix is a top talent who’d bolster the Arsenal ranks.

The prospect of Mudryk and Felix joining the Gunners, alongside the return of Emile Smith Rowe (and of course Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli) would give Mikel Arteta one of the fiercest front lines in English football. And that’s with Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines.