Arsenal 'take the lead' in race to sign Atletico Madrid outcast Joao Felix thanks to Thomas Partey
Daily MailFelix 'has kept contact with Partey since the Ghanaian's move to Arsenal in 2020' Thomas Partey has made contact with Joao Felix in an effort to lure the Atletico Madrid outcast to Arsenal rather than Manchester United, according to reports. Manchester United held talks with the Spanish club last week in a bid to sign the Portuguese forward on loan following Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit from Old Trafford in November, although negotiations have since stalled with Atletico demanding a hefty loan fee of £13.25m. Thomas Partey 'made contact with Joao Felix in a bid to lure the Atletico Madrid star to Arsenal' The Ghanaian midfielder played alongside Felix before his move to the Gunners in 2020 According to The Athletic, Gunners defensive midfielder Partey has made contact with his former Madrid team-mate in an attempt to win the 23-year-old's favour. Atletico Madrid want a £13.25million loan fee for Felix amid interest from Manchester United Arsenal will need to meet Atletico's pricey loan demands should they wish to lure the Portuguese forward to north London.