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Manchester United hold the edge over arch-rivals in the race to land La Liga marksman

Arsenal trail Manchester United in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
Arsenal trail Manchester United in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Arsenal trail Manchester United in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix

Manchester United are leading Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race for the signature of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, according to Spanish publication Marca (h/t Manchester Evening News).

Mikel Arteta’s team, alongside the Red Devils, are interested in signing the Portugal international. However, the Old Trafford side are in pole position to land the 23-year-old.

The Manchester-based club are ‘best placed’ to secure the forward’s move in the upcoming transfer window. However, Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in players on temporary deals to the club in January.

Arsenal trail Manchester United in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.
Manchester United are leading Arsenal in the race for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal are currently at the top of the table in the English top flight. The Gunners are flying high in the current campaign. But the North London side have lost a key player in Gabriel Jesus due to an injury for a considerable period.

However, Arteta’s team still looked sharp without the Brazilian in their previous fixture against West Ham United. They beat the Hammers 3-1 as Eddie Nketiah found the back of the net.

As for United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s untimely exit has dwindled the club’s options up front. Anthony Martial is now the only natural striker in the squad at the Dutch manager’s disposal.

https://twitter.com/LaLigaTV/status/1608584502292647936?s=20&t=bLomIiVRWB_wCKWQkL3YBA

Felix joined Atletico in the summer of 2019 from SL Benfica. However, the youngster has failed to live up to the expectations in the Spanish capital.

However, the 23-year-old had an encouraging 2022 World Cup with Portugal. He also scored in Los Rojiblancos’ first game back after the mid-season break against Elche in La Liga.

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While the Old Trafford side evidently need to bolster their attack, a number nine seems to be the priority. Felix is a versatile attacker capable of playing in multiple positions. However, he is not an out-and-out goalscorer. Thus, it would be wise to go after other options in January.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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