Who is Alex Baena? Arsenal transfer target's age, position, career, and potential fee

Arsenal are looking at three different attacking options ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Independent, with Alex Baena being one of them - the other two are Endrick and Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 25-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder is in fine form this season, but he's been on an upward trajectory with Atleti for quite a while now.

While Alex Baena is one of three options linked to the Gunners, he is a name that sticks out for obvious reasons.

He is primarily a left midfielder, but he has also played further forward on the wing. Better yet, he has experience playing as a centre forward and a centre midfielder, which is versatile enough to light up Mikel Arteta's eyes.

Alex Baena began his footballing journey at Roquetas, a club that has since dissolved, but he joined Villarreal's youth system, signing in 2011. He worked his way up through the Villarreal ranks and was part of the team that won the Europa League in 2021.

Joining the Spanish capital in 2025, he became a real star in the Atletico Madrid team. He has incredible international success, winning the Euros in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026 with Spain.

Alex Baena is listed as a wide player, but he likes to invert and play through the central channels, too. In that manner, he is similar to Bukayo Saka out on Arsenal's right.

He is mostly a complete midfielder, with the creativity flourishing the most. In a manner similar to Christos Tzolis, he is happy to link up with his players, aiding the attacking flow with his wide range of passing.

However, Baena could improve the defensive side of his game, which is something that Mikel Arteta will be aware of.

Arsenal lost some key options in the left-wing department in the summer. They sold Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, only signing Tzolis as their replacement. Tzolis improves Arsenal when he plays, but the Gunners cannot rely on one player, particularly with Noni Madueke often being needed out on the right.

Everybody knows that Arteta loves versatility in his players. In fact, being able to play more than one position is somewhat non-negotiable if you wish to play under Arteta. Baena's immense versatility and cross-channel attributes make him a perfect Arteta project.

Alex Baena only signed for Atletico Madrid in 2025, and he still has a contract running until 2030. Atletico Madrid will feel like they're under no obligation to sell him.

Atleti signed Alex Baena for a fee of around €50 million (£42 million), and they would probably expect to make a profit if they sold him in the winter.

Where it becomes interesting, though, is that Atletico Madrid is one of the interested parties in Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi.

This would probably be the best move for Arsenal, to involve Martin Zubimendi as part of the deal. If they did that, my assumption would be that it was simply a straight swap, but Arsenal may feel like they're owed some compensation on their side. However, as we all know, Arsenal suck at valuating their own players...

Predicted fee: £0, Martin Zubimendi swap deal

Yes. Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have a positive history of transfer negotiations, and nothing is preventing Baena from leaving. However, at this stage, he remains one of a few options for the Gunners.