Arsenal Revive Alex Baena Interest: Atletico Madrid Winger Back on January Radar

Arsenal Ready to Reignite Interest in Atletico Madrid Winger Alex Baena

Arsenal are again exploring a January move for Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena, according to Football Transfers. The 25-year-old has re-emerged as a serious target after previously being tracked in 2024, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta still seeking another forward who can shift tight games.

Target: Alex Baena, Atletico Madrid winger
Buying club: Arsenal
Estimated transfer value: €42.6m
Baena's 2025/26 form: Five goals and three assists across all competitions, including one against Manchester United in the Champions League
Previous interest: Arsenal tracked Baena in 2024 before his move from Villarreal to Atletico Madrid
Obstacle: Diego Simeone has publicly underlined Baena's importance to Atletico

Deal details

According to the report, Baena’s Estimated Transfer Value stands at €42.6m, close to what Atletico paid. However, a January negotiation would almost certainly begin far above that figure. Mid-season deals for important players regularly carry a premium, and Atletico’s stance in previous market situations suggests Arsenal would need to test their resolve with a major offer.

The stage of the link is early: Arsenal are exploring the possibility, not in formal talks. Any move would be complicated, as Atletico are not in the habit of allowing key players to leave easily, especially in the middle of a season.

What was said

“Baena sees the game differently than others; he’s stronger and more confident since the World Cup.”
— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager

“He’s the player we went out to sign. We’ll have to manage his playing time so that his unique qualities can shine through.”
— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager

Simeone’s comments are not the words of a coach preparing for a sale. They are the words of a manager describing a footballer central to present plans. That public stance underlines the difficulty Arsenal would face in prising Baena away mid-season.

Yet the praise also explains why Arsenal retain interest. Simeone highlights Baena’s unique qualities and confidence since the World Cup, traits that fit a squad valuing intelligent movement and positional rotation.

The numbers

Estimated Transfer Value: €42.6m
Goals this season: Five across all competitions
Assists this season: Three across all competitions
Champions League goal: One, against Manchester United
Age: 25

Why Arsenal want Baena: versatility and long-term tracking

This is not a new name in north London recruitment discussions. Arsenal tracked Alex Baena in 2024 before his move from Villarreal to Atletico Madrid, and that long-term appreciation now looks relevant again. He was previously viewed as someone capable of mirroring Bukayo Saka’s inverted movements from the right, even if that role has not been a regular feature of his football under Diego Simeone.

What makes the 25-year-old particularly appealing is his versatility. He can operate from either flank, move into central attacking areas and, when needed, has even been used further forward. That tactical flexibility matters in an Arsenal squad that places heavy value on intelligent movement, positional rotation and players who can interpret multiple roles without disrupting structure.

His start to the campaign has only strengthened the case. Baena has produced five goals and three assists across all competitions, with one of those strikes coming against Manchester United in the Champions League. Form, adaptability and high-level experience combine to make him a credible option rather than a speculative link.

Arsenal wanted to add more attacking variety earlier in the season and, despite strengthening with Christos Tzolis, there remains a sense that Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta are still scanning the market for another forward who can shift games in tight moments. Baena appears to fit that brief.

There are still reasons for Arsenal to believe the fit could work. Baena already has international familiarity with David Raya, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino through Spain, and that kind of connection can smooth adaptation. More broadly, this is another sign that Arsenal are targeting established, high-level talent rather than short-term cover.

Talking points

Would Baena actually start? He offers versatility, but Arsenal already have Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis. A €42.6m+ fee for a rotational role feels steep for a January deal.
Simeone’s public comments make a sale unlikely. Atletico rarely sell key players mid-season, so Arsenal may need an offer that feels uncomfortable to even start talks.
The Spain connection with Raya, Zubimendi and Merino could ease adaptation, but international familiarity is no guarantee of Premier League success.
Is this the right market? Baena is in form and Champions League proven, but Arsenal’s need for a forward who shifts tight games might be better served by a more prolific option.

What happens next

Arsenal are expected to continue monitoring Baena’s situation as the January window approaches. Any formal approach would likely need to exceed his €42.6m estimated value significantly to test Atletico’s resolve. The decision will shape whether Arsenal add another attacking option for the second half of the season.