Why Arsenal should consider signing Felix as short-term cover for Jesus
It wasn’t that long ago that Joao Felix was the most sought-after youngster in world football.
Having burst onto the scene with Benfica during the 2018/19 campaign, the Portuguese youngster scored 20 times across all competitions, catching the eye of every elite European club in the process.
It was a surprise to see the fleet-footed attacker move to Atletico Madrid. He was, at least on paper, the antithesis of a Diego Simeone striker. However, that didn’t stop Los Rojiblancos from parting with a club record £113m to secure the services of the 19-year-old. He was the replacement for the Barcelona-bound Antoine Griezmann.
Felix has struggled to live up to the price tag following the move to the Spanish capital. Though, this isn’t necessarily his fault. Injuries have played their part and he’s had a very strained relationship with Simeone, as many expected. Sometimes it really is a case of the right player at the wrong time. The 23-year-old certainly falls into this category.
In a system that suits him, Felix can steal the show. For example, he caught the eye with Portugal during the World Cup. The talent is still there, he just needs the right environment to flourish. It is why his next move is so important.
According to reports in Spain, the versatile forward is available on loan. Atleti are believed to want in the region of £18m to release him for the next six months or £90m to part ways on a permanent basis. Arsenal are one of the many interested teams.
With Gabriel Jesus ruled out for up to three months and negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk proving to be problematic, a short-term move for the 28-cap international does make sense.
While the loan fee may seem steep, if Felix can help keep Arsenal’s title bid on track, it would prove to be a bargain in the long run, with the riches of Champions League football topping up the transfer kitty.
Replacing Jesus is not going to be easy. He may have failed to add to his five goal haul since October 1st, but the Brazil international was a key cog for the Gunners and an integral part of the organised and aggressive press implemented by Mikel Arteta this term.
The Arsenal No. 9 often set the tempo without the ball and that is something that cannot be properly quantified. What we can do, however, is look at the traits that can be quantified. Jesus is averaging 4.2 shot-creating actions per 90 for the Gunners. He’s also averaging in excess of 3.5 shots and has an Expected Goals average of 0.57. Only Bukayo Saka can better Jesus’ return of five assists in the Premier League. The former Manchester City man is a goal threat and a creator. He’s a dual attacker.
Felix falls into this category too.
In his limited minutes in LaLiga this season, the 23-year-old has averaged 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90. He is also averaging 3.9 shots and has an Expected Goals average of 0.44. Statistically speaking, he ticks similar boxes to Jesus.
The one-time Porto academy player is also a bit of a facilitator, just like Jesus. His game isn’t centred on scoring 40 goals a season and instead focuses on improving the team as an attacking unit. It is hard to find players like that, especially at the level the Arsenal forward is at.
A short-term move for Felix could be viewed as a gamble. But it could well prove to be a masterstroke if he plays a part in delivering Arsenal’s first title since 2004. It could be a win-win situation for all involved too, with Felix getting his career back on track under a manager with a history of improving attackers.
