Atletico Madrid is exploring the possibility of signing Benfica starlet Joao Felix with Antoine Griezmann set to depart this summer. The latter recently revealed his decision to leave the Spanish capital outfit this summer following a five-year stint.
At the moment, it looks likely that Griezmann could complete a dream move to Barcelona. The Catalans are reportedly willing to activate the Frenchman's buyout clause and will possibly sell a few star players to fund the move.
Meanwhile, with the World Cup winner almost out of the door, Atletico Madrid will be left with Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata to lead its attack going into the 2019/2020 season. As such, Diego Simeone's side is looking to recruit Joao Felix following his stellar season with Benfica.
The 19-year-old has so far scored 19 goals and registered 11 assists in 42 games for the Eagles. At the moment, he is being monitored by a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus.
However, despite a summer departure looking inevitable for the teenager, Benfica is believed to be preparing a huge contract extension to ward-off interest. In its effort to keep Felix at the club, the Estadio de Luz outfit has slapped a 120-million euro fee on the starlet.
Despite Benfica's stance, Marca has indicated that Atletico Madrid is unwilling to match the fee but will potentially submit an offer in the region of 96 million euros. The Rojiblancos are also hoping that their club president Miguel Angel Gil Marin's 'close relationship' with Joao Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, will give them an upper hand in negotiations.
