Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are reportedly interested in Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena, a target for Barcelona.
A report from Spanish publication AS has claimed that Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are keen on Alex Baena. The Spaniard has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Villarreal. Meanwhile, the Premier League clubs will face competition from Barcelona.
The 22-year-old midfielder has been a key player for Villarreal, and he has been linked with a move away from the Spanish club in recent months. He is versatile enough to operate as a central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. He will add technical ability, creativity and flair in the final third if he joins the likes of Arsenal.
The Gunners already have someone like Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira at their disposal. It will be interesting to see how they accommodate Alex Baena if the Spanish midfielder joins them in January. Meanwhile, Liverpool could certainly use a creative player like Baena, who will help them create more goalscoring opportunities.
The Reds need more depth in the final third, and the 22-year-old would be a solid, long-term investment. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has an impressive track record in nurturing young players, and he could help the Villarreal midfielder fulfil his tremendous potential.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, they signed Mason Mount during the summer transfer window to add creativity in the final third. However, the former Chelsea midfielder has not been able to live up to the expectations at Old Trafford. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to invest in another creative midfielder in the coming months.
Alex Baena has a €60 million release clause, and he could prove to be an expensive acquisition for the three Premier League clubs. However, the 22-year-old is a prodigious talent with a bright future ahead of him, and he could end up justifying the investment in the long run.
Barcelona are keeping tabs on his situation as well. But they are going through financial difficulties and might not be able to afford the €60 million asking price for him. The Premier League teams are likely to have an added advantage in the transfer race because of their financial muscle.
