According to HITC Football, Atletico Madrid is “willing to provide” Joao Felix in a swap deal for Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.
After a loan spell at Barcelona, Felix is not in Atletico’s plans, but the Premier League champions might still be able to recruit the Portuguese international.
However, there is no indication that City is eager to sign Felix, especially given their intent to keep Alvarez.
HITC reports that despite Atletico’s interest in the Argentine attacker, Pep Guardiola’s team is determined not to sell him.
Why does Atletico Madrid keep pursuing Alvarez?
Atletico is aware of the 24-year-old’s dissatisfaction at the Etihad. The striker reportedly wants a bigger role in the team.
Alvarez didn’t play in crucial games this season, including the last four Premier League matches and the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid, despite starting 39 times in all competitions last season.
Atletico believes Alvarez is open to moving to the Wanda Metropolitano.
They know he would consider Atletico his only Spanish option since neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona are reportedly interested.
Negotiations are expected to be lengthy. Atletico is rumored to only be prepared to pay £70 million for Alvarez if Felix is not included in the deal, a figure likely below City’s valuation.
Atletico may stick to their budget, believing Barca, Real, and Paris Saint-Germain won’t enter a bidding war.
