Atletico forward Joao Felix reveals desire for Barcelona move

Out of favour Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix has opened up on his long-term desire to play for Barcelona, with the Portuguese player expected to leave the Spanish capital this summer.

Off the back of a rather unremarkable short-term loan spell with Chelsea, where he scored just four times in 16 Premier League appearances, Atletico are desperate to offload Felix this summer.

The 23-year-old fell out with Atletico manager Diego Simeone before his temporary stint in West London and is no longer in the Argentine tactician’s long-term plans.

The Colchoneros are determined to part ways with Felix before the squad jets off for their pre-season tour of South Korea and the United States.

They are even willing to sanction another loan spell for Felix in a desperate attempt to drum up interest in the former Benfica prodigy.

While there have been no takers yet, Felix has outlined his intentions for the future, proclaiming his long-standing desire to play for Atletico’s direct rivals Barca.

“I’d love to play for Barca,” Felix said in an interview with Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

“Barcelona has always been my first choice, and I’d love to join Barca. It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”

Atletico have slapped a €100m asking price for Felix, which has proven a major stumbling block for a potential permanent transfer, with clubs baulking at their demands.

However, their willingness to sanction a loan departure, coupled with Felix’s desire to play for Barca, could aid the La Liga champions if they decide to lure the player away from the Civitas Metropolitano this summer.

Atletico and Barca have done business in the past – Antoine Griezmann and Memphis Depay come to mind – so there is a fairly healthy rapport between both clubs business-wise.

The Blaugranas are still on the market for more reinforcements, so it remains to be seen if they will be open to signing Felix either on loan or permanently, especially with their financial situation.