Arsenal 'lock on' to Atletico winger as summer move eyed over January
Arsenal have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid and Spain winger Alex Baena as a top attacking target, though any move looks set to wait until next summer rather than the upcoming January window.
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have decided to 'lock on' to signing Baena after having previously tracked him before his move to Atletico Madrid in 2025. The report values the 25 year old at around £67m.
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Arsenal have been expected to return to the market for attacking reinforcements after a summer in which the club lost Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, with only Christos Tzolis arriving as a direct replacement in that part of the pitch. Mikel Arteta's side also missed out on Morgan Rogers, Vinicius Junior and Bradley Barcola during the summer window as they searched for a statement attacking addition.
Baena has been in strong form for Atletico Madrid this season, contributing nine goal involvements in 15 appearances across all competitions. He also played a key role for Spain as they won the World Cup in the summer, and his versatility across the front line has made him a wanted man across Europe.
Atletico's stance on a January sale
Despite Arsenal's interest, the report states that Atletico Madrid have 'reached a decision' to keep hold of Baena for at least the remainder of this season. The club is said to regard him as part of Diego Simeone's longer term plans.
On Atletico's position, the report explains: “Despite the growing list of teams keen, Atletico have made clear that Baena forms part of Simeone's longer term plans. The LaLiga giants, currently second in the table and just two points adrift of reigning champions Barcelona, are not expected to entertain offers in January unless what sources describe as an ‘exceptional bid’ arrives.”
Arsenal are not alone in their admiration for the winger, with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur among the other clubs said to be monitoring his situation.
Other targets in the mix
Baena is understood to be viewed as an option for the flanks rather than Arsenal's primary attacking priority. Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi has emerged as the club's leading striker target as Arteta looks to add further firepower to a squad that has leaned heavily on its defensive record this season.
With Atletico Madrid unlikely to budge in January barring an exceptional offer, Arsenal's interest in Baena appears to be one for the summer transfer window, by which point the competition for his signature may have only intensified.
