The truth about Barcelona's loan bid for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix
Atletico Madrid do not want to let the Portugal international leave the club
Late on Monday, it emerged that with 24 hours to go in the transfer window Barcelona had asked Atletico Madrid to take Joao Felix on loan.
It seems surreal but it is true. SPORT have been able to confirm that Barça, though the agent Jorge Mendes, suggested a loan to Atletico, with no money involved, for Felix. Both Mendes and Barça insisted on the operation due to the Catalan club's desire to strengthen their attack. Other sources at Atletico confirmed Barça's interest, but also that the Madrid club have no interest in letting the player leave.
In any case, Barça's offer was official, and they expect an official reply from Atletico on Tuesday. At the Wanda, they're clear that the answer will be no. They have translated that to Mendes and to Barça's spokespeople.
Despite the offer from Barça, and knowing how interested they have always been in the Portugal forward, Atletico don't want to negotiate: Not a loan, not a transfer. They don't want to let him go and they will let (again) Mendes and Barça know that.
