Aston Villa unable to match Atletico Madrid’s asking price for Joao Felix | OneFootball

For now, Joao Felix remains part of Diego Simeone’s squad at Atletico Madrid, although he’s unlikely to stay there by the end of the summer – despite a strong start to pre-season.

Right now, Benfica and Aston Villa are favourites to sign Felix, if he does indeed leave Atleti. The former are preparing to wait until the final days of the summer transfer window to make their move, as they currently cannot afford to match the demands set by Los Colchoneros.

Aston Villa also cannot afford the asking price set by Atleti, believed to be €60m. As per Ruben Uria (via Sport), the Premier League side are currently only able to pay €32m for the 24-year-old. However, that figure will increase if they close the sale of Jhon Duran, who’s been linked with West Ham United and Saudi Arabia.

Unai Emery is reported to be in constant contact with Felix and his representatives, with a move still being prepared by Aston Villa. For now, Atletico Madrid are relaxed about the situation, although they’d love a sale soon to bankroll further transfer business.