Transfer News: Liverpool to battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena
Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign 21-year-old Spanish winger Alex Baena of Villareal as per Fichajes (h/t football.london). The player spent the entirety of last season at Girona on loan and since his return, has scored nine goals and accumulated four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for The Yellow Submarine.
Moreover, the same report also claims that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are sniffing around his situation and might possibly be around the scene to secure the winger’s services. At his age, being a guaranteed starter in a top team requires a lot of skill, and Baena for sure has been proving his worth.
Chelsea and Arsenal are trying to build a squad for the future, especially the Gunners, and Baena could prove to be a smart addition for either club, given he continues to perform on the same level and shows similar levels of consistency.
Baena’s contract lasts until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt) and given his top-class performances this season so far, one cannot rule out a move to a top European club soon, or, a potential contract extension.
Baena to the Reds
The fact that Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are showing interest in the player shows his quality but would sound the alarm bells for the Yellow Submarine if they want to retain the youngster. Arsenal, in particular, have been very invested in offering chances to youngsters under Spanish manager Mikel Arteta.
However, one could argue that a winger is not among the immediate needs of Liverpool at least. The Reds are struggling in terms of their midfield situation and the club will benefit from signing a midfielder rather than a forward.
Having said that, Baena is more than capable of playing in the midfield in an attacking role. Those who have seen him play know he has the creative touch in the final third that would be a treat for poachers like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.
Whether or not a move will actually articulate is something only time will tell. It won’t be a bad idea to add an attacking midfielder into the mix. Goals and assists from midfield are always welcome.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool will offer double the salary to Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat
- Liverpool name initial 33-man squad for Dubai training camp
- Juventus and Napoli enter the race for Liverpool transfer target Antonio Silva
A central midfielder who can play as an 8 seems like the need of the hour – one who isn’t a prospect anymore but a proven world-class talent. If we sign Baena on top of that, then arguably no LFC fan would have an issue with this.
