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Atletico Madrid 'identify Liverpool's Roberto Firmino as Joao Felix replacement'

Atletico 'identify Firmino as Joao Felix replacement'
© Reuters
Atletico Madrid reportedly identify Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino as an ideal replacement for Joao Felix, who has been linked with a permanent switch to Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly identified Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino as a possible replacement for Joao Felix.

Firmino's future at Anfield beyond this summer remains uncertain, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Talks over an extension for the Brazilian have been ongoing, and an agreement between the two parties is thought to be close.

However, Firmino is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and, with less than six months to go until the end of his contract, he is currently able to discuss terms with foreign clubs over a free transfer.

Spanish outlet Cadena SER reports that Atletico have earmarked the 31-year-old as a possible free agent target as they look to add attacking reinforcements for next season.

Diego Simeone's side allowed Joao Felix to join Chelsea on loan in January and, while that agreement does not contain an option or obligation to buy, Felix is expected to be made available for a permanent exit this summer.

Chelsea's Joao Felix during the match  on January 12, 2023© Reuters

Chelsea have already been linked with making his loan move permanent, with the possibility of including Mason Mount in any deal in order to reduce the transfer fee.

Despite their desire to sell, Atletico are reportedly still hopeful of recouping up to €100m (£88.3m) for Felix, having spent £113m to bring him to the club in 2019.

Replacing Felix with Firmino would therefore represent a major profit for the Madrid outfit in next summer's window.

Firmino is still expected to stay with Liverpool, though, with both parties having publicly expressed their desire to extend his time at Anfield.

The Brazil international joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015 and has since gone on to make 350 appearances for the club, scoring 107 goals and creating 78 more.

Firmino has featured more often than any other player for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Community Shield during his time on Merseyside.

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Written by
Barney Corkhill

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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