After speculation about a potential move to Arsenal in recent days, Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix has publicly stated he wants to join Barcelona.

There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding Joao Felix in recent days, with reports suggesting he’s unsettled at Atletico Madrid.

That certainly appears to be the case, as the player has now publicly stated he wants to join 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 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, leaving him in an uncertain situation with his parent club.

The 23-year-old is reportedly a subdued figure in training at the moment, generally playing in Diego Simeone’s “second XI” in training.

At times, he hasn’t been involved in the matches at all, and he seemed particularly unhappy after he was left out of Monday’s session. As it stands, he doesn’t even have a shirt number.

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.