Arsenal have roared into life this season, and the coveted dream of bringing the Premier League trophy back to north London might just become a reality in the near future. 

What’s the word? 

Diario AS reported earlier this month that tensions between Joao Felix and the Atletico Madrid board and manager has reached its zenith, with the immense talent of the ace failing to be truly showcased following his £113m move from SL Benfica in 2019.

And now prominent Spanish outlet Marca have reported that Arsenal have moved to the front of the pack of suitors with vested interest in the Portuguese sensation’s signature. 

With Atletico likely to attempt to recuperate the majority of the mammoth fee they paid for the star, Gunners technical director Edu will likely have to break the bank to clinch the deal.

A title-winning signing

Having won 12 of the first 14 Premier League games of the season, losing just once, Arsenal are flying way above the expectations that would’ve been laid out at the campaign’s inception. 

Indeed, five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, the Gunners are now hoping to continue their golden form into the new year, and bring the club glory that has not been seen for nearly two decades.

However, the recent injury to talisman Gabriel Jesus is nothing short of detrimental, and swift action must take place if the club are to steady the ship and prevent a capsize that could derail the months of hard graft.

Felix could be the answer, with his unique presence as a creative and selfless centre-forward serving Arsenal’s style of play sweetly; taking Jesus’ baton, the 23-year-old could entwine the departments of the pitch with a quilted veil of elegance and flair.

And while his impact in Spain has not been mesmeric, the offensive drive of the north London club, partnered with the gushing quality on offer, would be a match made in heaven.

That being said, Felix has swiped three goals and three assists in La Liga this term, despite only starting on five occasions, and his return of eight goals and four assists in the Spanish top-flight last season came under just 13 starts. 

And the right-footed phenom also had a glorious impact on Portugal’s 2022 World Cup travails in Qatar, with Sofascore recording an average rating of 7.03 for the player, who scored a goal and assisted two more.

Should Felix bring the 2.8 shots per match to the Premier League, alongside his abundant creativity and gliding presence on the ball, he will continue to rise towards the very front of the pack of Premier League forwards gunning for individual accolades.

The “dangerous” phenom – as hailed by Simeone – could unleash his qualities, with FBref ranking the 28-cap striker within the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 14% for dribbles completed across Europe’s big five leagues this term, when compared to positional peers across the past year. 

Jesus’ injury magnifies the need for a reliable talisman in his stead, and Felix is that man. He won’t come cheap but his ball-playing excellence and ever-increasing goalscoring prowess could help Arsenal not only cross the finish line, but cross as champions.