Aston Villa will ramp up the efforts to sign Alex Baena, also a target for Arsenal and Liverpool, from Villarreal next year.
According to a report by 90min, Alex Baena is the subject of interest from Aston Villa. The Villans are stepping up their efforts to sign the Villarreal attacker, who has a release clause worth £51 million in his contract. The Spanish international is also a target for Arsenal and Liverpool.
Who is Alex Baena?
Alex Baena has established himself as one of the best young attackers in La Liga in the last 12 months. A graduate of Villarreal’s famed youth division, the 22-year-old took some time to get going at Estadio de la Ceramica. But he has not looked back since returning from a loan spell with Girona last year.
The Spaniard enjoyed a solid 2022/23 campaign with Villarreal and has broken into his national team this year. Baena has stepped up his performance levels this season, amassing four goals and six assists in 20 appearances thus far. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
A Bevy of Suitors for Alex Baena
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has previously worked with Baena during his spell at Villarreal. The Spanish manager now wants to reunite with his compatriot at Villa Park, with recent reports claiming he is Aston Villa’s priority target for the January transfer window. The Villans are also financially adept enough to afford to trigger his release clause of £51 million.
As for Arsenal, the Gunners are scouring the market for a wide attacker who can add to the competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Alex Baena has thus emerged as a viable target, with his versatility making him an appealing target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile, Liverpool might need to delve into the market for a wide attacker next year amid uncertainties surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future. While Baena will not be a like-for-like replacement, his creative prowess can liberate strikers like Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal and Liverpool are also in a position to pay £51 million to secure Baena’s services. But with Aston Villa stepping up the interest in the Spanish international, a January move to Villa Park might be on the cards.
