Arsenal identify Alex Baena as January transfer target

According to The Independent, Arsenal have earmarked Atletico Madrid attacker Alex Baena as one of the main targets for the January transfer window.

The Gunners did not sufficiently bolster their attack last summer. They sold both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, but brought in just Christos Tzolis to replace them on the left wing.

Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior were among top targets for the Gunners, but the former went to Chelsea from Aston Villa, while the latter ended up signing a long-term Real Madrid contract.

Arsenal are expected to reconsider attacking options at the turn of the year and The Independent claim that manager Mikel Arteta is looking for a transition forward with pace and ability to play in tight spaces.

Bournemouth star Junior Kroupi is the prime target for the Gunners, but the Cherries have no plans of entertaining a mid-season exit for the Frenchman, who only recently returned from a metatarsal injury.

Hence, Arsenal could consider alternatives, and Baena is reportedly a top player on their radar.

Swap deal

Baena was a leading performer during his time at Villarreal, but he had an average debut season with Atletico last campaign. The 25-year-old managed just two goals and three assists in 46 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side.

However, he went on to have a good World Cup with a couple of goal contributions. The Spaniard was a regular starter on the left wing under manager Luis de la Fuente and has carried over the form to Atletico this campaign.

Baena has already made nine goal contributions in just 15 matches. He has primarily played from the left wing for the Madrid heavyweights but has also shown his versatility, operating upfront or from the number 10 position.

Arteta likes to work with players who can operate in multiple roles and Baena could emerge as a genuine target for January. Arsenal tried and failed with an approach for Julian Alvarez last summer, given he was reluctant to return to England from Atletico.

Atletico have been credited with an interest in landing Gunners midfielder Martin Zubimendi in recent weeks, and it has been claimed that Arsenal could be open to parting ways with him for around £60 million at the start of the year.

Teamtalk have claimed that Baena is valued at £67m by Atletico. Hence, there is a possibility that Zubimendi could be used in a straight-swap deal to sign his compatriot and fellow World Cup winner during the next transfer window.