Arsenal are targeting a potential January transfer for Atletico Madrid’s World Cup-winning winger Alex Baena, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The Gunners were known to be seeking an attacking midfielder in the previous transfer window, but while they were ready to splash out on Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, they ultimately only added Christos Tzolis to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.

Despite a strong start to their Premier League defence and Champions League challenge, Arsenal are still striving to improve their squad and have identified Baena as a potential January signing, sources in Spain have told FootballTransfers.

Alex Baena: A player who sees the game differently

Arsenal previously targeted Baena back in 2024 before he left Villarreal for Atleti, and now the Gunners are revisiting a potential move. At that time, he was earmarked as a player who could mirror Bukayo Saka’s inverted role on the right flank, a role he has rarely played at Atleti.

There are few more in-form wingers in world football currently than Baena, who has started the season spectacularly for Diego Simeone’s side. Across all competitions, he has supplied five goals and three assists, including one against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Indeed, Simeone has been impressed by the improvement of the player since the summer, indicating that he has stepped up a level.

“Baena sees the game differently than others; he’s stronger and more confident since the World Cup,” the Argentine explained. “He’s the player we went out to sign. We’ll have to manage his playing time so that his unique qualities can shine through.”

The 25-year-old fits the profile of player that Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, who has in-depth knowledge of the Spanish transfer market after working with Atletico Madrid for 12 seasons, are seeking.

Although primarily a winger, he can play across the attacking line. Indeed, his minutes for Atleti last season were shared between a wide role, central midfield and even centre-forward.

Meanwhile, his experience working with David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in the Spain national team could allow him to fit immediately into Arsenal’s plans.

Baena promises to be a tough January deal to strike

Arsenal’s challenge will be prising Baena away from Atleti, who showed how stubborn they can be in the transfer market this summer when they refused to allow Julian Alvarez to depart, despite serious interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Simeone’s comments, meanwhile, highlight how integral he sees the Spaniard to his squad.

Although Baena has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €42.6m – almost exactly the figure Atletico Madrid paid for him – if Arsenal were to move for him, a far higher price is likely to be demanded, particularly in January.

Nevertheless, the Gunners’ interest in Baena signals their ongoing ambition to improve the squad by targeting the world’s best players.