Arsenal Interested in Atlético Madrid's Álex Baena, Report Says

What happened

Arsenal are expressing interest in Atlético Madrid attacker Álex Baena, according to a report from Get Spanish Football News, which cites Diario Sport and The Independent. The report states that Mikel Arteta has set his sights on a potential deal for the 25-year-old winger and attacking midfielder.

Report details

Baena has made a strong start to the new campaign, the report says. After playing an important role for Spain at this summer's World Cup, he has recorded eight direct goal contributions in 12 league appearances. According to the cited reporting, Baena is among four different profiles that fit Arteta's intention to bring in players capable of providing speed, imbalance and depth in January.

The report also notes that Atlético Madrid have been credited with a recent interest in Arsenal midfielder Martín Zubimendi, and it raises the possibility of a high-profile winter exchange deal between the two clubs. That suggestion is framed as a question rather than a confirmed development, and no agreement or official confirmation is reported.