Arsenal eye impressive Atletico star as £67m price tag set

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Alex Baena — *Photo: Getty Images*

Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena ahead of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old Spain international has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking players in La Liga following an impressive start to the new campaign.

Follow our LIVE Arsenal transfer updates here!

Baena has attracted interest from several European giants, with Arsenal among the clubs monitoring his situation.

Mikel Arteta is keen to further strengthen his attacking options, particularly on the left wing, despite making several additions to his squad during the summer transfer window.

However, the Gunners could face a difficult task in their pursuit of Baena, with Atletico Madrid determined to keep hold of the Spaniard.

Atletico Madrid reluctant to sell Baena

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in Baena, having previously monitored the winger during his time at Villarreal.

The north London club continue to follow his progress closely, with Arteta reportedly considering a potential move for the Spain international in 2027.

However, Atletico Madrid are unwilling to sanction a January departure, with Diego Simeone viewing Baena as an important part of his long-term plans.

The Spanish giants would reportedly only consider an exceptional offer during the winter transfer window.

A move next summer is considered more realistic, although Arsenal would have to pay at least €80m (£67m) to secure his signature.

Baena is under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2030, leaving the La Liga side in a strong negotiating position.

Arsenal are also expected to face significant competition for the winger.

Bayern Munich are understood to be seriously interested in Baena, with the Bundesliga champions having already made initial moves towards the player’s representatives.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on the Spaniard, while Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have monitored his situation in recent months.

Baena joined Atletico Madrid from Villarreal in the summer of 2025 for a reported €45m.

The Spanish international has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.

His performances have further strengthened his reputation as one of Spain’s most promising attacking talents.

The 25-year-old was also part of the Spain squad that won the 2026 World Cup, adding valuable international experience to his impressive CV.

Baena is capable of operating on either wing or in a central attacking midfield role, offering the versatility that Arteta values in his attacking players.

Arsenal previously considered a move for the Spaniard in 2024, before he eventually left Villarreal for Atletico Madrid.

With the January transfer window approaching, the Gunners could now revisit their interest, although any potential deal appears more likely to take place next summer.

For more Arsenal transfer updates, follow our LIVE blog!