Arsenal are dealing with a difficult stretch, on and off the pitch, and their plans for the January market may already have taken a hit. According to GiveMeSport, interest in Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena remains real, but any move in the winter window is expected to be blocked.
That development lands at an awkward moment for Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have made a strong start in the Premier League table and sit second, level on points with Manchester City, yet there is a wider sense that greater attacking fluency is still required. The numbers underline that point. Arsenal have seven wins from eight league matches, but only 13 goals, a lower return than both Manchester City and Brighton.
In that context, Arsenal’s interest in Baena is understandable. The 25-year-old has built real momentum in Spain and has become a key figure for Diego Simeone. He has started every La Liga game so far this season, posting five goals and two assists in 10 appearances, while also creating 24 chances in 618 minutes. Those are the output levels of a player influencing matches consistently.
Alex Baena stance leaves Arsenal waiting
Arsenal’s admiration for Baena is not new. Reports of interest stretch back to 2024, and his profile has only strengthened since his move to Atletico Madrid for £45million. The latest indication is that Atletico have no intention of weakening midway through the campaign, with Simeone determined to keep hold of one of his most productive attacking players.
The report states that Baena will not be sold in January and that any approach will be resisted. That would represent a significant setback for Arsenal, who have been looking at options to add more thrust in wide areas. Simeone’s view of the player has been made clear, he has described Baena as “extraordinary” and a “difference maker” in recent weeks.
Those comments matter. So does Baena’s contract situation. He is tied to Atletico until 2030, which leaves the Spanish club under no…
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