Atlético Madrid want João Félix to replace Griezmann
The news of the day in Portugal is over Benfica’s rising star, who is being chased by many of the continents top sides.
It’s the big news of the day in Portugal: Atlético Madrid are looking at rising Benfica star Joao Félix to replace Antoine Griezmann. According to Portuguese daily Record, the Atlético star is set to accept an offer to leave Madrid this summer, with the club banking his buy-out clause which drops to 120 million euro on 1 July. Atlético want the replacement for the French striker to be Félix, given what they see is his superb potential.
Stiff competition for Félix
Simeone’s side will have stiff competition for the 19-old striker, with Manchester City boss Pepe Guardiola reportedly having asked the club board to make every effort to sign one of Europe’s hottest young properties, including going as far as to directly pay his buy-out clause which is also set at 120 million euros.
But it’s not just City who are desperate to land the forward - Juventus were thought to be leading the race recently, with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes setting up a meeting with Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici to discuss a transfer. Félix himself is said to be keen on the the idea of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports in Portugal have indicated that Benfica have already rejected an offer of 75 million euros from Juventus, who are said to be willing to sell Dybala to make room for the Portuguese youngster.
As with any up and coming talent, Real Madrid too have been heavily linked with Félix.
Benfica keen to keep Joao Félix
Benfica though are desperate to hold onto the forward, who went into the record books earlier this month as the youngest player to score a Europa League hat-trick in Benfica’s 4-2 win over Entracht Frankfurt. The Portuguese club have been trying to tempt Félix with a new deal, which would include an increased buy-out clause of 200 million euro, to try and keep their star but Mendes has refused to entertain the offer so far. And now it seems as if there could be even more competition to steal Benfica's prized jewel away from them, with Atleti willing to join the chase.