Arsenal will be one of the teams "seriously looking at" Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this month, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Portugal international in recent weeks as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to bolster Mikel Arteta's playing squad with attacking reinforcements following the injury to Gabriel Jesus.

It's thought that the Brazilian frontman is facing around three months out with a knee issue, so it leaves the Spanish head coach with only one striking option in Eddie Nketiah.

The Athletic reported earlier this month that the north Londoners, along with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, were approached over a potential loan move for the 23-year-old dynamo, with the Mattress Makers wanting a €21million (£18.6m) package, involving an initial €15m loan fee plus €6m gross salary.

A further update from the reliable outlet suggested that the Gunners were indeed 'interested in the possibility of signing Felix', which is hardly a surprise given their immense form and need up top.

O'Rourke has also backed up such claims, speaking to Football FanCast this week, he said:

"We all know what Joao Felix can bring, he showed it at the World Cup for Portugal.

"If Arsenal do want an attacking reinforcement, then I'm sure Joao Felix will be one of those players that they are strongly looking at."

It's easy to see why Edu and Arteta would be keen on luring the Atletico man to the Emirates Stadium as he was one of the many young talents to catch the eye in Qatar, where he managed one goal and two assists from five starts.

His display against Switzerland drew high praise from scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed the attacking maestro as a "pure talent".

Whilst domestically, Felix has delivered five goals and three assists across 14 appearances and has done so by playing through the middle as both a centre-forward and second striker, as well as out on the left flank.

That versatility could prove key, especially when Jesus returns as it means the £250k-per-week star could still have a place in the starting XI and that would make the £18.6m outlay not seem like a complete waste.

Having once cost a whopping £113m, perhaps Felix could follow in Martin Odegaard's footsteps by making the successful switch from the Spanish to English capital

AND in other news, Forget Saka: Arsenal's £23m "rock" who had 83 touches was Arteta's real standout star...