Christos Tzolis, the only new winger Arsenal brought in during the summer, is injured. Bukayo Saka also looks like he could be out for a while on the right.

On the left, there is almost nothing behind him. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, both regulars last season, were sold in the same window Tzolis arrived.

That is the backdrop to FootballTransfers’ exclusive report on Thursday, which says Arsenal have revived their interest in Alex Baena and held preliminary talks over a January approach. The club tracked the Spaniard in 2024 as well, before his move from Villarreal to Atletico Madrid.

Baena’s start to the season

The 25-year-old has produced five goals and three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, including an assist against Manchester United in the Champions League. He can play on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, which is exactly the shape of the hole Mikel Arteta needs filled.

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Baena is contracted at Atletico until 2030, and his manager has made clear he is not thinking about a sale.

Simeone: ‘The player we went out to sign’

Speaking recently to Spanish media, as reported by FootballTransfers, Diego Simeone framed Baena in the kind of language clubs use about keepers, not sellers.

“Baena sees the game differently than others; he’s stronger and more confident since the World Cup. He’s the player we went out to sign.”

The resistance in Madrid comes with precedent. Julian Alvarez was Arsenal’s top target over the summer and did not move. According to TeamTalk, the Argentine’s asking price has since fallen to €120m from the €150m Atletico demanded in July, but Atletico still held him, and any January buyer for Baena can expect a similar line.

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