Joao Felix transfer news: Aston Villa remain in hunt for Atletico Madrid star as Unai Emery looks to strengthen Champions League squad

After already making eight signings this transfer window, including Amadou Onana from Everton and Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, Unai Emery is aiming to bring Felix in, to help bolster his squad ahead of Champions League football. According to The Mirror, the deal remains on, despite there being little movement over the past few weeks.

With Villa qualifying for the Champions League, they have wasted little time in trying to recruit quality to their ranks. European football could be a key factor in attracting Felix to the Midlands, but an agreement on wages and a transfer fee could prove difficult. Although, with Julian Alvarez set to arrive at Atletico Madrid, Felix could be the one to pay the price.

Felix is one of Atletico's biggest earners, and when he arrived on loan to Barcelona in the 2023-24 season he had to reduce his salary in order to seal his dream move. While in Catalonia he scored seven goals and assisted three more in 30 games. It is likely a similar act of generosity is going to have to happen again if the 24-year-old is going to leave Madrid this summer.

Atletico seem keen to offload Felix, as they themselves also conduct a transformational transfer window, bringing in Alvarez and Chelsea's Conor Gallagher. The Portuguese will either have to fight for his spot under Diego Simeone or look for a way out. Aston Villa could provide that and after finding ways to get around their PSR issues, they could make another big statement in the window.