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.
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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…
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