Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid are still hoping to part ways this summer, but the Spanish club are looking for a ridiculous fee to sell.

El Desmarque report that Joao Felix’s situation at Atletico Madrid is complicated, as Diego Simeone doesn’t have him in his plans for the season, and both Felix and Atletico are searching for a way out.

Yet Atletico are insistent that they don’t want to lose the €127m investment they made in him to begin with, which is a fee no club is likely to pay for him now.

Atletico also refuse to negotiate until Felix retracts the recent statements he made about Barcelona, which they felt were disrespectful and unprofessional.

In quotes widely reported by the media, Felix publicly stated that he wants to join Atletico’s rivals Barcelona.

“I’d love to play for Barça,” Felix said. “Barcelona has always been my first choice and I’d love to join Barça.

“It was always my dream since I was a kid. If it happens, it will be a dream come true for me.”

John Cross and James McNicholas had recently suggested Arsenal were in the market for a new right-sided forward, and McNicholas speculated that it might be worth keeping an eye on Felix.

But perhaps the player’s public pronouncement of his affection for Barcelona and Atletico’s crazy asking price might throw a spanner in the works.

Felix and Atletico Madrid were both hoping for his loan to Chelsea to go well, so he could make a big-money move to the Premier League this summer. But that didn’t happen.

Atletico haven’t received any offers for Felix, and Benfica (who can’t afford him) are the only club to publicly confirm their interest.

The Athletic report that Atletico may be open to another loan, though it’s hard to say whether that would suit Arsenal or Barcelona.

The Gunners seemed to show an interest in Felix in January, eventually pulling out as they were unwilling to match the £15m Chelsea were paying in wages and a loan fee.