Aston Villa reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid star
![Joao Felix in action during Atletico Madrid versus Elche CF](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2Fj%2Fjoao-felix-atletico-madrid-29-dec-2022.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Following the imminent departure of Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad, Aston Villa are in the market for a new forward and they are reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
With the Champions League adding to Aston Villa's workload this season, Unai Emery has strengthened his squad, adding depth to an already impressive squad.
Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana and Jaden Philogene are just a few of the names who have arrived in Birmingham over the summer.
However, they have sold the likes of Douglas Luiz and Diaby and it has been reported by The Guardian that Emery is looking to replace the latter with Felix.
Felix, who moved to Atletico Madrid for a whopping fee of €126 million at the age of 19, has not lived up to the hype in the Spanish capital and has spent the last 18 months on loan at Chelsea and Barcelona.
He failed to impress at Chelsea, while at Barcelona he did contribute to 10 goals in 30 appearances however they didn't opt for a permanent deal, with the emergence of Lamine Yamal likely playing a part in their decision.
At the age of 24, Felix's career has stalled somewhat but a move to Emery's side would be good for him.
Felix will be up against some tough competition for the attacking roles in Villa's first XI, with Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Morgan Rodgers all enjoying good campaigns last season, while the return of Philogene will add to that competition.
However with an extended Champions League schedule, eight league phase games instead of six group games, Felix would add some much needed depth and will definitely get opportunites as rotation is key for a side who has ambitions to compete on all four fronts.
This transfer will be an exciting one to watch, as despite a rough patch Felix could improve under the guidance of Emery and turn into one of the brightest stars in the Premier League.