Atletico Madrid interested in transfer-listed Barcelona duo, could enter Joao Felix operation

Following Joao Felix’s bombshell admission that he wants to play for Barcelona last night, speculations over a possible move from Atletico Madrid in the ongoing transfer window have been doing the rounds relentlessly.

Los Rojiblancos are believed to be furious with the Portuguese forward’s comments and find his behaviour to be disrespectful and unprofessional. And given his fractured relationship with Diego Simeone, they would be happy to see him leave this summer as long as their terms are met.

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Atletico Madrid would give the go-ahead to Felix joining Barcelona on a loan deal with an option to purchase.

However, the economics of the deal might pose a challenge as Barcelona would not be in a position to pay any loan fee for the versatile forward while his wages could also prove problematic unless there are some exits from the club.

But the latest report from SPORT claims that there could be a solution that works out for all parties involved.

Atletico Madrid are said to be interested in Barcelona duo Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres and it could open up the possibility of one of the pair entering the operation that would see Felix move the other way.

It is well-established by this point that Barça wish to offload both Kessie and Torres this summer due to their Financial Fair Play situation. They have been trying to sell the pair but have not had success so far.

But with Atletico Madrid interested in the duo, the Catalans could find a way to shoot two birds with one stone by letting either Kessie or Torres move the other way as part of the operation to rope in Felix from the Civitas Metropolitano.

However, the report adds that Torres and Kessie’s wages would be an impediment for Atletico Madrid to push ahead with their interest in the pair.

There has been no direct contact between the two clubs at this point, but Felix’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been talking to both Barcelona and Atletico to try and work out an agreeable arrangement for his client.

It remains to be seen whether the super-agent can facilitate an agreement between the La Liga rivals for Felix and if so, whether either Kessie or Torres would be involved in the operation.