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Aston Villa are considering a move for Joao Felix, but will have to find a compromise with Atletico Madrid to progress with a deal.

The Spanish club signed Felix from Benfica for £113m five years ago and while they want to sell him permanently this summer, Villa would still have to fork out a huge fee to land the Portuguese. Reports from Spain claim that Villa would consider a loan move for Felix, but Atletico want him off their books for good.

He spent three full seasons under Diego Simeone before heading for Chelsea on loan in the second half of the 2022/23 season. Villa were also interested in signing the forward, but as Emery explained last year, he wanted Champions League football.

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"We are realistic about how we can improve, how we can add players to improve our squad," the Villa boss said. "Joao Felix was not totally impossible for us but he wanted to play for a team in the Champions League.

"He has a high salary, and he plays at Chelsea on loan. Chelsea paid a lot of money for that. He’s a very good player but we were never really in the running for him."

Now that Villa can offer Champions League football they become a more attractive option for Felix, but the truth is there aren't many interested clubs. At the price point Atletico have set and considering the player's wages, only Villa have so far come forward as a genuine destination for Felix.

Emery is a huge fan of the player and Atletico will be aware that there's every chance their forward would be able to hit form under the Villa manager. It could be in Atletico's interest to sell Felix to Villa as there could be achievable performance-related add-ons in the deal, which could be more attainable at Villa than elsewhere.

If Felix was to join on an initial loan, then his value could also increase after one season under Emery, who clearly has a plan for him. Emery is the elite coach Felix needs at this stage of his career, which is a crossroads. Villa can also provide him with the platform he needs to realise his potential.

With there being a limited pool of clubs who are interested in Felix due to his inconsistent form in recent years and the big financial undertaking required to sign him, Villa could have the upper-hand in talks with Atletico, who are desperate to sell the 24-year-old. If he is deemed too expensive, then Villa will move on to other targets and Atletico will be left looking for other suitors.

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