Arsenal handed major boost in search for Jesus replacement with Man Utd target now available on loan

Arsenal target Joao Felix has been made available for loan in January by Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

The 23-year-old Portugal international has been linked with a move away from Atletico in recent weeks, following claims of a breakdown in his relationship with manager Diego Simeone.

Felix has recently returned from the World Cup, where he was one of his nation's star players before their eventual quarter-final exit to Morocco.

Spanish publication AS claimed earlier in December that Manchester United were leading the Gunners in the race to sign the forward.

It was said that Atletico were looking to recoup the majority of the £113 million fee they paid to sign the Portugal star.

But the Daily Record claim that they would instead be prepared to allow Felix on a loan deal - and it has now emerged exactly what such a deal would entail.

Felix to leave Atletico on loan?

The same source claims that any interested parties would need to pay a £8m loan fee to sign Felix on a temporary agreement in January.

That would be perfect for the Gunners, who are on the search for a replacement for Gabriel Jesus. The Brazil forward has undergone knee surgery, and is set to miss several months of action.

Eddie Nketiah is set to step up as Arsenal's main striker in his absence, but an injury to the England youth international would leave Mikel Arteta's side short of options up front.

Signing Felix on loan, therefore, would allow them to bring in a proven world-class forward that can also play in attacking midfield if required.

They would also have the opportunity to reconsider a permanent move in the summer, when more funds would likely be available.

However, one caveat could be that Atletico reportedly want Felix's wage paid in full during any stay at another club so that they can stay within Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

But it is claimed that Arsenal are in advanced talks with the Spanish giants over a loan move for the player - which suggests a deal is very much on in January.

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