Arsenal 'take the lead' in race to sign Atletico Madrid outcast Joao Felix thanks to Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has contacted Joao Felix in an effort to lure Atletico Madrid sacked Arsenal to Manchester United, according to reports.

Atletico’s record £114million signing is expected to leave the LaLiga outfit in January after falling out of favor with head coach Diego Simeone, who has made just 10 starts in all competitions this season.

Manchester United held talks with the Spanish club last week over a bid to sign the Portuguese forward on loan following Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure from Old Trafford in November, although negotiations have stalled with Atletico’s heavy demands loan repayments of £13.25m.

Thomas Partey ‘contacted Joao Felix in bid to lure Atletico Madrid star to Arsenal’

The Ghanaian midfielder (R) played alongside Felix (L) before his move to the Gunners in 2020

According to The Athletic, Gunners defensive midfielder Partey has contacted his former Madrid team-mate in an attempt to curry favor with the 23-year-old.

Emirates chiefs are understood to be keen to secure a loan move similar to the first deal the club did with Real Madrid for team captain Martin Odegaard, who signed in January 2021 before moving permanently at the end of the season that.

Felix has remained in contact with Partey since the Ghanaian’s move to the Emirates in 2020, and Arsenal believe the pair’s relationship could benefit them if the move becomes a personal choice.

Mikel Arteta is eager to sign Felix and strengthen his squad ahead of the Premier League title lift

Atletico Madrid want a £13.25million loan fee for Felix amid interest from Manchester United

Arsenal will need to meet Atletico’s expensive loan demands if they are to lure the Portuguese forward to north London.

United rejected the £13.25m proposal and are now considering alternatives, with Atletico and Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes told the deal would have to be cheaper for both clubs to continue negotiations.

Gunners fans appear to be divided on social media over the prospect of overpaying to secure Felix on a six-month loan. Felix reportedly wants to give him around £5.3m in wages.

‘That’s stupid money,’ one fan wrote on Reddit. ‘Only if there is a purchase option should that be considered.’

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have reportedly withdrawn their interest upon hearing of the loan fee

Arsenal fans are divided over whether the Premier League leaders should pay a loan fee for Felix

Another supporter said: ‘This is stupid. Only Messi or Ronaldo, aged less than 28-29, will be worth that in six months.’

‘If he’s helping us win the title by giving us invaluable depth and maybe 8-10 goal contributions, 21 mil for a 6 month spell doesn’t seem too bad,’ suggested a third Arsenal fan.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League with a seven-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City.