Arsenal are plotting a swoop to sign Atletico Madrid forward Alex Baena in January, according to Football Transfers.
Arsenal’s need for another winger has become more apparent following Bukayo Saka’s injury against Bayern Munich in midweek.
The England international lasted just ten minutes of the 2-2 Champions League draw before being forced off with a quadriceps problem, having gone down without anyone around him. Mikel Arteta later admitted that the initial signs ‘doesn’t look good at all’, raising fears over the winger’s availability.
Noni Madueke moved across to the right flank after Saka was subbed off, while Eberechi Eze entered the game from the bench and found the net from the left. Both offered encouraging contributions, but an extended absence for Saka could leave Arteta short of options at wide positions, prompting the club to explore alternatives.
One option Arsenal are considering is Atletico’s Baena, according to Football Transfers, which claims the Premier League champions are plotting a January swoop to sign the 25-year-old.
Having begun the ongoing 2025-26 campaign in good form, the north Londoners remain keen on bolstering their squad and have earmarked the Spaniard as a potential option in the January transfer window, according to the report.
Arsenal hold a longstanding interest in Baena dating back to his time at Villarreal and are now set to reignite their interest in the versatile attacker to replicate Saka’s inverted role at right wing, Football Transfers adds.
Baena to Arsenal
Baena has settled into the season well after taking time to find his feet at the Wanda Metropolitano. Although he has started only five of his nine La Liga appearances, he has already contributed five goals and two assists, taking his overall tally in all competitions to eight.
Looking at his creative input this campaign, it’s clear why Arsenal are vying for his signature, although they will have to submit an offer well above his £37m Transfermarkt valuation to convince Atletico to sell him.
Despite playing 528 out of a possible 810 minutes in Spain’s top flight this campaign, only four players have created more than his 20 chances.
Among players with at least 500 minutes of La Liga action, his average of 3.4 chances created per 90 minutes ranks third, while his four accurate through balls place him sixth in the league.
At Arsenal, Martin Odegaard leads the way for chance creation, having produced 13 opportunities in the Premier League this season at a rate of 2.1 per 90 minutes.
Adding another creative midfielder could give Mikel Arteta an extra option to unlock low blocks and stubborn defences, making Baena a viable option for the Gunners.
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