Aston Villa remain prepared to pursue an ambitious deal for Joao Felix late in the transfer window - if Atletico Madrid set realistic financial demands. The Portuguese attacker has featured prominently for Atleti throughout pre-season following his loan spell with Barcelona, despite a fractious relationship with Diego Simeone. But with Julian Alvarez set to arrive from Manchester City in an eye-watering £82million move, Felix's future at the Wanda Metropolitano remains unclear and he could yet be loaned or sold to help save or recoup some cash. Villa are long-standing admirers and their interest remains live but there is some concern the numbers involved in a package - both regarding a fee and wages - could prove unaffordable.
Unai Emery previously revealed in 2023 that Villa 'want to be able to sign the likes of Felix' and that could now potentially, be achievable with the lure of Champions League football. The 24-year-old was not offered to City as part of the Alvarez deal despite suggestions he was floated as makeweight during negotiations. The sale of Jhon Duran, who now looks more likely to remain at Villa Park than depart following talks with West Ham and Chelsea, could aid any late push for Felix if it was to materialise. Speaking to sports newspaper L'Esportiu last October, Barcelona vice-president Eduard Romeu revealed Felix took a significant pay-cut to facilitate his loan switch to Catalonia.
Romeu said: "It’s true, Joao Felix has reduced his salary to €400,000 to join. It is the case of a person who has made a very important effort to join. It's very nice to see this from a guy who was probably not at his best at his club, but here he has been magnificent. Make no mistake about it, however, the club that gave Felix to us has an interest in this being a great showcase." It goes without saying that even if Villa can strike a deal with Atleti, Felix would likely have to reduce his salary - just like Philippe Coutinho when he joined from Barcelona in 2022. Villa, who are determined to remain compliant with PSR rules while also displaying admirable ambition, have already got two big-earners in Douglas Luiz and club-record signing Moussa Diaby off the books this summer and Diego Carlos could yet follow after Fulham saw an opening bid rebuffed for the 31-year-old Brazilian. Monchi has also brought in a host of new - and old - faces for Emery including £50m midfielder Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Enzo Barrenechea, Samuel Iling-Junior, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer and Lewis Dobbin (loaned to West Brom ) and the club are expected to remain active during the final weeks of the market.