Portuguese giants offer €32.5 million for Barcelona forward target, Aston Villa also keen | OneFootball

Barcelona’s first order of business in this transfer window will be to retain the services of two loan players in the form of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.

Felix, in particular, is rated highly by new coach Hansi Flick, which is why Barcelona are in talks with Atletico Madrid to extend his loan spell.

However, recent reports indicate that Barça’s pursuit of Felix is becoming harder with each passing day. And in a recent blow, it appears Felix’s former club SL Benfica are ready to beat Barcelona in the race to sign the Portuguese international.

SL Benfica ready to pay €32.5 million

According to Duncan Castles, SL Benfica have proposed an astonishing bid worth €32.5 million to secure the services of Joao Felix.

The Portuguese outfit are keen on bringing back their former star this summer and are ready to fork out a fortune for his services.

Joao Felix could return to his former club Benfica this summer (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Benfica’s proposal could serve as a major blow for FC Barcelona, who are not in a position to match the offer from the Portuguese outfit.

Atletico Madrid, for their part, are keen on offloading Felix on a permanent deal this summer, so one would expect the Spanish giants to favour Benfica’s offer.

To make things worse, Benfica are not the only club interested in a move for Felix this summer. The Portuguese international has also been courted by a series of Premier League clubs.

Aston Villa are closely monitoring Felix’s situation while Manchester United and Chelsea are amongst the past bidders. All of these clubs have a greater financial muscle than Barcelona.

The retention of Joao Felix, therefore, appears to be a nigh impossibility for Barcelona. The Catalans, though, have stepped up their efforts to find alternatives in the market and have recently been linked with a move for Uruguayan talent Maxi Araujo.