Arsenal January transfer blow as Atletico Madrid block Alex Baena move

Arsenal January transfer blow: Atletico Madrid refuse to sell Alex Baena

Arsenal's hopes of signing Alex Baena in January have been dealt a significant blow, with Atletico Madrid reportedly unwilling to sell the winger mid-season. The news comes as Mikel Arteta prepares for a crucial trip to Liverpool with attacking options already stretched.

Competition: Premier League
Transfer target: Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid)
Fee: Joined Atletico for £45m
Contract: Tied to Atletico until 2030
Status: Atletico will block January sale
Key stat: 5 goals, 2 assists in 10 La Liga games

Deal details

Arsenal's long-standing interest in Baena, first reported in 2024, remains real, but according to GiveMeSport, Atletico have no intention of weakening their squad mid-season. The Spanish club are under no pressure to sell, with Baena contracted until 2030.

Baena moved to Atletico from Villarreal for £45million and has since become a key figure under Diego Simeone. Any approach from Arsenal will be resisted, with the report stating Baena will not be sold in January.

If Arsenal wish to revisit the situation, they may need to wait until next summer, when clubs are typically more willing to negotiate. Atletico's stance is firm, and there is no indication they would compromise on price or timing.

Injury and availability

Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcement has been sharpened by fitness concerns. Bukayo Saka is still managing fitness issues, while Christos Tzolis is unavailable ahead of the trip to Liverpool. These absences have pushed Eberechi Eze into focus, with Arteta set to hand him a third consecutive start on the flank.

Eze has yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League this season, though he has scored twice in the Champions League. His role could become increasingly important as Arsenal seek more edge in the final third.

What was said

"This is why you have a strong squad. Mikel Arteta knows that some players will be missing, some will get injured, and then others will have their time."
— Thierry Henry

"When they have a chance to show what they can do, they need to show it, and Eze and Madueke have been showing it. Eze scored against Bayern, Madueke came on and scored against Nottingham Forest, so they are having an impact."
— Thierry Henry

Henry's comments highlight the importance of squad depth during a demanding season. Arteta has also spoken about Eze, saying the player must “earn the right to play” while praising his “phenomenal” attitude. That combination of challenge and support is typical of how Arteta manages competition for places.

The numbers

Arsenal's league position: 2nd (level on points with Manchester City)
Wins: 7 from 8 Premier League matches
Goals scored: 13 (fewer than Manchester City and Brighton)
Baena's La Liga stats: 5 goals, 2 assists in 10 appearances
Chances created: 24 in 618 minutes
Baena's contract: Until 2030

Why Arsenal needed Baena and what they do now

Arsenal's interest in Alex Baena made sense. The 25-year-old has been a consistent creative force for Atletico Madrid, starting every La Liga game this season and contributing five goals and two assists. His 24 chances created in just 618 minutes underline his ability to influence matches. For an Arsenal side that has scored only 13 league goals despite seven wins from eight, that output would have been welcome.

However, Atletico's stance is understandable. Diego Simeone has described Baena as “extraordinary” and a “difference maker”, and with the club competing at the top of La Liga, they have no reason to sell in January. Baena's contract until 2030 further strengthens their position. Arsenal may have to wait until summer if they wish to pursue him again.

In the meantime, Arteta must find solutions internally. Eberechi Eze will get another chance on the flank, while Bukayo Saka's fitness issues remain a concern. The Arsenal manager will hope that Eze can translate his Champions League form into Premier League productivity. With Christos Tzolis also unavailable, the squad is stretched, and the pressure on Eze to deliver is significant. Arteta's message that players must “earn the right to play” will be tested as he seeks to maintain Arsenal's title challenge.

Talking points

Should Arsenal have pushed harder for Baena in the summer, given their limited attacking output this season?
Is Eze ready to shoulder the creative burden in Saka's absence, or does Arteta need a different solution?
Will Atletico's refusal to sell in January force Arsenal to look elsewhere, or will they wait until summer?
Can Arsenal sustain a title challenge with only 13 goals from eight games, or is a January signing essential?

What happens next

Arsenal travel to Liverpool next, with Eze expected to start on the flank. The match presents a significant test of Arsenal's attacking depth. Following that, the January transfer window opens, and Arsenal must decide whether to pursue alternative targets or rely on internal solutions. The club's title ambitions could hinge on their ability to add firepower before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Will Arsenal sign Alex Baena in January?

No, according to reports, Atletico Madrid will block any January move for Baena and he will not be sold.

Why is Alex Baena not available in January?

Atletico Madrid have no intention of weakening their squad mid-season, and Baena's contract until 2030 means they are under no pressure to sell.

Who will start for Arsenal against Liverpool?

Eberechi Eze is set to start on the flank for a third consecutive game, with Bukayo Saka still managing fitness issues and Christos Tzolis unavailable.