‘One to watch’ - Aston Villa target now training alone as Unai Emery progresses interest

Aston Villa are growing increasingly hopeful of completing a deal to sign Atlético Madrid starJoāo Félix, despite initial concerns over the forward’s expensive price tag.

The Portugal international is now reportedly training alone as Atlético see no other solution than a sale this summer. Unai Emery has listed Félix as his dream attacking addition to replace Moussa Diaby.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Félix to Villa is “one to watch” as there is “no chance” he will stay with Atlético beyond this summer. Emery is said to be insistent on getting a deal over the line but a reduction in cost must first be negotiated.

Félix spent last season on loan from Atlético at La Liga rivals Barcelona, where he scored 10 goals and assisted a further six in 44 appearances. Before that, Félix was loaned to Chelsea for six months but he scored just four times in 18 matches.

Félix was signed from Benfica for a whopping €126 million (£106 million) in 2019, the same year he won the prestigious Golden Boy award. Now 24 years of age, Felix is yet to reach the almighty potential expected of him - but he’s certainly not done badly.

The attacker has scored 34 goals and made 18 assists in 131 games for Atlético, while he’s already made 41 senior appearances for Portugal and netted eight times. All that Félix seems to need is a consistent home and steady horizon, something Villa would be able to offer.

Record signing Diaby’s recent €60 million (£50.5 million) departure to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad has raised substantial funds that could be utilised to sign Félix. There are other targets, too, but the Atlético man is very high on the list.