Arsenal suffered an injury blow in their 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Bukayo Saka was forced off with just 10 minutes on the clock owing to a hamstring issue. With Christos Tzolis absent for a similar muscle issue, the Gunners are suddenly short on depth out wide.
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And the wing problems has seen links with a move for Atletico Madrid’s Alex Baena resurface. There’s still some time until the January transfer window opens, but teams are starting to put feelers out over potential incomings. Arsenal are no exception as they seek to build upon last season’s Premier League title success.
The north London side were previously credited with an interest in Baena prior to his Villarreal departure for Atletico last summer. In the time since his move to Madrid, the 25-year-old has established himself as one of Spain’s starting wingers. Nico Williams’ injury issues has contributed to his rise through the Spain ranks, but he’s grabbed the chance with both hands no less.
Baena’s 2026/27 so far
Following a slow start to life at the Wanda Metropolitano, Baena has made a solid start to the season. While he’s not nailed down a starting role – five of his nine La Liga appearances have come from the outset – he’s still managed five goals and two assists. Seven direct goal contributions across 528 league minutes is a fine haul.
Atletico would be reluctant to lose the winger at the turn of the year. Conversely, he’s a forward that is yet to nail down a regular starting spot under Diego Simeone. The La Liga giants, in theory, could afford to entertain offers for the Spaniard. And in truth, they would be able command a hefty fee for the former Villarreal man.
Despite only playing 528 of a possible 810 minutes (65.2%) in Spain’s top tier this term, Baena still ranks fifth for chances created (20) in the division. A rate of 3.4 chances created per 90 is third of those to have registered at least 500 minutes of La Liga game time. Four accurate through balls is sixth in the division.
Comparatively speaking, Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s top creator having forged 13 chances in the Premier League this season. The Gunners skipper is creating 2.1 opportunities per 90. Mikel Arteta could fully utilise another playmaker to pry apart defences. Baena, then, fits the bill.
Arsenal’s first half struggles
It’s no secret that Arsenal are struggling to match last season’s goal exploits. They’ve hit the back of the net 11 times in the 2026/27 campaign, that level with newly-promoted Ipswich Town. Just three of those have come in the first half of matches. Two of those came against the returning Coventry City on the opening day of the season.
While their strength in depth has carried them across the line on more than one occasion this season, they can’t continue relying on a second-half resurgence to secure all the spoils. Arteta needs his attackers to start strongly. And Baena’s a player capable of setting the tempo, with two of his five league goals coming inside the opening 45 minutes.
However, it’s Baena’s style of play that will appeal to Arteta. The Gunners boss likes his players to be able to operate in a number of roles. Baena can do so to a high standard. Previously, Arsenal would have viewed the attacker as cover and competition for Saka before completing a deal for Noni Madueke.
Versatility key
The England star has underwhelmed during his short time at the Emirates Stadium. With Baena able to play across both flanks, the ability to feature down the right or left, as well as through the middle, would certainly appeal to Arteta. A right-footed forward, it’s no surprise that Baena has been thriving down the left for both club and country.
A willingness to cut infield from the left would suit Arteta’s preference for inverted wingers. Wide forwards to capitalise upon the space vacated when starting striker Kai Havertz drops deeper and drags markers out of position. Given his solid goal haul this season, Baena would thrive with the opportunity to drive for goal and chance his luck, evidenced by an average of 3.4 shots per 90.
Having sold both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and only brought in Tzolis, Arsenal remain light on left wingers. Vinicius Junior was a viable target, but the Brazilian remained with Real Madrid. Atletico, meanwhile, rebuffed their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez.
A trip to Spain could yet see them return with Baena. Third time’s the charm, right?