Arsenal to beat Chelsea and Man Utd to Portuguese star?

Arsenal have reportedly moved ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

The Portuguese star is widely expected to leave the Spanish giants in January amid his reduced playing time under Diego Simeone.

He has his sights on moving to the Premier League and Marca claim that Arsenal are now in the lead to secure his services.

United and Chelsea have also been linked with the 23-year-old but the Gunners are apparently well placed to sign him next month.

It remains to be seen whether they can afford Felix. Atletico are quite clear that they won't sell him for less than €100m in January.

The Gunners could propose to sign him on a temporary deal for the campaign with an option or an obligation to buy next summer.

A number of top officials at the north London club believe Felix would turn out as a top acquisition in the long run with his potential.