Arsenal are preparing a January transfer approach for Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena as Mikel Arteta seeks to solve a wide-option crisis at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta aims to fix a stark lack of wingers at the Emirates Stadium as the club eyes a January move targeting Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid. Sporting directors have refocused on adaptable La Liga wide man Alex Baena following the clearance of two major forwards in the prior transfer window.
Reviving the Spanish Winger Pursuit
The north Londoners are preparing a January approach for the Atletico attacker as they seek a new left winger for the second half of the campaign.
🚨 Arsenal have identified Atletico Madrid winger Álex Baena as a priority target to strengthen their left flank. Bayern Munich are also interested in the 25-year-old Spaniard, who could cost around €80M. Arsenal could raise funds for a potential deal through the departure of… pic.twitter.com/Aeywa5iZdY
Following the summer sales of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, Christos Tzolis was the sole incoming player brought in to directly fill the void. The 25-year-old matches the exact requirements sought by the technical team, having the ability to play through the middle or on either side.
According to FootballTransfers, the Spain international has been identified as a potential January signing
by the Emirates Stadium hierarchy. The outlet adds that the English club previously targeted Baena in 2024
prior to his move from Villarreal to the Spanish capital and are now revisiting a potential move
ahead of the mid-season window.
Pulling him away from the Metropolitano will prove a tough task because his deal extends until 2030, and manager Diego Simeone counts on him as a key player after he posted five goals and two assists in nine matches this campaign.
Valuations and Forward Targets
Baena is not the sole player from Atletico being watched by the London club, who keep tracking his offensive colleague Julian Alvarez after previously setting the Argentine as their top summer target. Even though the attacker stayed put in the Spanish capital, his price tag is said to have fallen from the €150 million (£126.8m / $168.3m) figure set in the off-season down to €120m (£101.5m / $134.7m).
To aid in funding a winter offer, Arsenal are open to parting ways with Viktor Gyokeres by placing a £64m price tag on the Swedish forward, an amount that would pay for over 50 percent of the cost needed to land the World Cup winner.
Should the Gunners manage to generate funds from player departures to match Atletico’s valuation for Alvarez, their bid still faces hurdles due to the player’s preference for a move to domestic opponents Barcelona.
Securing mid-season agreements for either offensive star will put the determination of the Spanish club to the test when the transfer window opens in January. Consequently, Arsenal face tough talks in Madrid if they are to bolster their frontline in January.
Leipzig Interest in Antonio Nusa
Meanwhile, Arsenal are stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa ahead of the January transfer window, as reported by Metro. The capital club tracked the Norwegian talent prior to his transfer to RB Leipzig from Club Brugge, and he has stayed on their watchlist since then.
Nusa has raised his profile during his time in the German top flight and is putting together a very effective campaign with Martin Demechelis’ squad.
According to Bild, Arsenal sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old during his current side’s recent Champions League game against Manchester City and saw him score in a narrow 3-2 defeat.
The German publication also reports that Arteta is impressed by Nusa’s tactical discipline, versatility, and athleticism. The German club are hesitant to let go of their star player mid-season barring a massive bid, though they would consider a transfer next summer for roughly €80 million.