Arsenal are among the clubs watching Alex Baena closely after his impressive rise at Atletico Madrid, with TeamTalk reporting that long-standing admiration remains intact in north London. The 25-year-old has developed into one of the most closely monitored attacking players in Europe, and while interest is real, the current indication is that any immediate deal will be difficult to execute.

Baena has started the season strongly, registering nine goal contributions, five goals and four assists, in 14 appearances. That run has pushed his career return to 92 goal contributions in 253 matches, a figure that adds context to why elite clubs continue to revisit his profile. Arsenal have done exactly that.

The report states that “Arsenal are very much keeping a close eye on Alex Baena’s rapid rise with Atletico Madrid” and that their interest goes back to his Villarreal days. That continuity matters. Recruitment at the top end is often about timing as much as talent, and Baena appears to be a player Arsenal have tracked through several stages of his development.

Alex Baena Fits Arsenal Need for Versatile Attack

What makes Baena particularly appealing is his flexibility. He is described as “a left-sided forward who can also operate centrally or as a makeshift number 9”, a skill set that naturally strengthens his value in a squad game shaped by rotation, injuries and tactical variation. Arsenal are assessing options who can offer depth and quality across the frontline, and Baena clearly falls into that bracket.

There is also a wider squad context. Arsenal moved on from two left-sided attackers in Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard during the summer, bringing in Christos Tzolis, while Eberechi Eze has “largely not impressing when given the chance there”. That leaves understandable room for another addition if the right profile becomes available.

Sources cited in the report suggest Mikel Arteta sees Baena as “a versatile option to add depth to their attacking options”, which aligns with the current squad picture. Arsenal have built a side capable of competing across multiple fronts, but adding another high-level attacker with proven output and adaptability would make obvious sense.

Atletico Madrid Position Makes January Move Unlikely

For now, the biggest obstacle is Atletico Madrid’s stance. They signed Baena from Villarreal in the summer of 2025 for €45 million, which converts to £45 million, and tied him down until 2030. That contract length gives Atletico control and significantly limits the prospect of a winter departure.

The expectation, according to the report, is that “Atletico are understood to be very unwilling to allow a mid-season sale”. It adds that “Any move is far more realistic next summer” and would “almost certainly require a fee well above Baena’s current valuation”, with the number likely to be “at least €80m (£67m, $90m)”. In Arsenal terms, that makes this less of a January opportunity and more of a situation to monitor over the coming months.

Atletico’s position is further strengthened by their season. They are second in LaLiga, only two points behind Barcelona, and Baena is said to form part of Diego Simeone’s longer-term plans. Unless an “exceptional bid” lands, there is little suggestion they are open to serious negotiations in the middle of the campaign.

Competition for Arsenal in Alex Baena Race

Arsenal are not operating in isolation. The report says Bayern Munich are “seriously interested”, with injuries to key attackers prompting initial moves towards the player’s camp. Tottenham also have Baena on their list, while Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have monitored developments in recent months.

That level of interest underlines how highly Baena is regarded across the market. He has pedigree, form and tactical range, plus the added momentum that came from his contribution to Spain’s World Cup triumph. Players with those credentials rarely become straightforward deals, particularly when the selling club has no urgency to entertain offers.

For Arsenal, this looks like a live file rather than an imminent transfer. The admiration is established, the fit is clear and the need is understandable. What remains uncertain is whether the timing and price will align. As things stand, Atletico hold the strongest hand and can “likely abort any enquiries that come their way”.

That leaves Arsenal in familiar territory, informed, interested and alert to future movement, while accepting that January may come too soon for a breakthrough on one of Europe’s most watchlisted attacking players.

Our View

This is exactly the sort of report that encourages belief. Arsenal need more threat on the left side, more unpredictability in the final third and more competition in the attacking unit. Baena sounds like a serious answer to all three. A player with 92 goal contributions, positional flexibility and experience at the highest level is not a speculative target, he is the profile of footballer who can elevate a title-winning squad even further.

The most encouraging part is the long-term interest. It suggests proper planning rather than a reactive chase. That matters because the best recruitment tends to come from patience and conviction. If Arsenal have watched him since Villarreal and still feel the same now that he is shining for Atletico, then there is a strong chance the internal assessment is thorough and positive.

Of course, £67 million is major money, and January feels unrealistic if Atletico are that resistant. There is no point forcing a deal that another club controls completely. Waiting until the summer may be the smarter route, especially if it creates better conditions for negotiation.

Still, this is one to watch closely. If the club believe Baena is the right fit for Arteta’s attack, then there should be no hesitation when the window opens properly. Elite teams stay elite by adding top-class options before a weakness becomes a problem. This feels like an opportunity Arsenal should stay firmly attached to.