Joao Felix Next Club Odds: Arsenal Lead Scramble For Atletico Madrid Man

Joao Felix continues to be linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid and betting sites believe there are three leading contenders for his signature.

Atletico have already admitted that they are willing to listen to offers for the Portugal international this month, although an initial loan deal is more likely than a permanent transfer.

“He is the biggest investment the club has ever made and I think he is at the highest level in the world in terms of talent,” Atletico’s chief executive Miguel Angel Gil said last month.

“But for reasons that are not worth going into now - the relationship with the coach, the number of minutes he is playing, his motivation - the reasonable thing is that if there is an offer that is good for the player and the club, that we at least analyse it. 

“I would love him to continue, but that is not the player's idea."

Felix started and opened the scoring as Atletico beat Elche last weekend, but he still looks set to seek pastures new in January. 

You can find the latest transfer odds below, before we take a look at some possible destinations.

Title-Chasing Arsenal Are The Favourites

When Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury on international duty at World Cup 2022, it was immediately assumed that Arsenal would go out and sign a replacement in January. 

However, Eddie Nketiah promptly scored in victories over West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion, and Mikel Arteta may now be content to stick with what he has until Jesus returns.

Yet Arsenal are now the 2/1 favourites on football betting sites to land Felix, even though their priority appears to be Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk. 

The Portugal international would no doubt find the prospect of playing for Arteta’s side attractive, especially as Champions League football is almost certainly on the horizon next season.

Chelsea Ready To Splash More Cash This Month

Chelsea spent more money in the summer transfer window than any other club in world football, and they look set to continue in a similar vein in the mid-season market. 

Graham Potter’s side are close to finalising a deal for Enzo Fernandez, the Argentina international who will cost around £106m.

Fernandez will improve Chelsea’s midfield, but the main weakness in the team lies at the top of the pitch. 

The Blues are only the 12th-highest scorers in the Premier League this term, and the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not worked out. 

With Felix available for transfer, Chelsea (priced at 5/2) may decide to throw their hat into the ring.

Manchester United In Need Of A New Attacker

Manchester United are another Premier League side on the lookout for a new forward, after Cristiano Ronaldo bade farewell to Old Trafford in November. 

“We do everything that is in our power, so I do research on every opportunity that comes. 

“We do everything we can if that opportunity will be there,” Erik ten Hag said of the club’s hunt for an attacker in the winter window.

Felix might be a good fit, as he can play out wide or as a second striker if needed. 

The Red Devils are available at 5/2 with Paddy Power to land Ronaldo’s international teammate, who started four of Portugal’s five matches at World Cup 2022.

Aston Villa And Newcastle Are Outsiders In This Race

Betting apps anticipate Felix ending up at one of Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United. 

Indeed, there is a substantial drop-off to Aston Villa, who at 14/1 are considered the fourth-most likely employers of the former Benfica man by the end of this month.

Villa are an ambitious club whose aim is to be regular participants in European competition over the next few years. 

Right now though, they are a mid-table side who will face an uphill battle to finish in the top seven even next season. That is unlikely to appeal to Felix.

Newcastle would be a more enticing option, but the Magpies look set to sit this one out. That is why they are available at a lengthy 20/1.

Barcelona And PSG Most Likely European Destinations 

Antoine Griezmann’s yo-yoing between the clubs in recent years shows there is a willingness between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to do business with each other. 

However, given Barca’s recent financial woes, a transfer of this magnitude may be off the table for the moment for the Catalans at the moment. 

That’s why odds of 16/1 with BetVictor on Barcelona signing Felix feel a little generous.

Paris Saint-Germain’s name is never far away from transfer-related headlines, but odds of 20/1 indicate that Felix is unlikely to end up at the Parc des Princes. 

PSG already have Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in attack, and the fact they are keen to tie Messi down to a new contract shows there is a good chance that all three players could still be at the club next term. 

Felix will want to join a team where he is guaranteed to start week in, week out. PSG will not be able to offer him any such assurances.