Alex Baena Arsenal Transfer: Arsenal’s attacking options face an important test as Mikel Arteta manages another demanding season across domestic and European competitions. Injuries to Bukayo Saka and summer arrival Christos Tzolis have reduced his choices, leaving the manager with fewer options for rotating his front line without disrupting its rhythm.
That matters because Arteta wants his wide players to do more than beat defenders. They must combine with midfielders, attack the spaces between opponents and maintain the pressing structure when Arsenal lose possession. Gabriel Martinelli offers direct running, while Eberechi Eze brings creativity in advanced areas, but another player who can operate across several positions would give the manager greater freedom.
Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, could therefore revisit a target they monitored before his move to Spain. According to a report shared by EPL Index, the Gunners are considering renewed interest in Atlético Madrid’s Álex Baena ahead of the January window.
The 25-year-old joined Atlético from Villarreal in 2025, and his versatility remains a major attraction. He can play on either wing or operate centrally behind the striker, allowing Arteta to adjust his attacking shape without making several substitutions. His familiarity with Spain teammates David Raya, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino could help him settle quickly, although that alone would not justify a major transfer.
Alex Baena Arsenal Transfer: Would Baena justify a costly January move for Arsenal?
Baena’s form gives Arsenal a reason to examine the opportunity. The supplied 2026/27 figures credit him with five La Liga goals and two assists in nine appearances, alongside 17 chances created across 529 minutes. He has added one assist in three Champions League appearances, while maintaining an 88% passing accuracy across domestic and European fixtures.
Those numbers point to a creative player who can contribute directly while helping Arsenal progress the ball. However, Atlético manager Diego Simeone values Baena highly, and the Spanish club have little incentive to weaken their squad midway through the campaign.
Football Transfers puts his estimated transfer value at around £37m, but that figure does not represent Atlético’s asking price. A January deal could cost considerably more, and no reliable weekly wage demand has emerged.
In my view, Baena would address a genuine weakness if Arsenal need a player who can cover several attacking positions without sacrificing technical quality. His movement could create better connections between Martinelli, Eze and the central striker, while his passing would help Arsenal break down compact defences.
Yet Berta must protect the club’s wider spending plans, especially if Arsenal need further depth elsewhere. Paying a substantial premium makes sense only if Arteta intends to give Baena a regular role, rather than bringing him in as temporary cover until Saka and Tzolis return.
