Álex Baena attracts Premier League trio but Atlético Madrid block January exit

Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are all showing serious interest in Atlético Madrid attacker Álex Baena ahead of the January transfer window.

According to journalist Rubén Hurtado for Esto es Atleti, the three Premier League clubs are “very interested” in the Spain international following his impressive World Cup and strong start to the new season.

Baena has already scored three goals this campaign after helping Spain win the World Cup, but Atlético currently have no intention of allowing him to leave midway through the season.

Manchester City are assessing their attacking options after losing Omar Marmoush and Savio during the summer window. Baena’s versatility and recent form have subsequently placed him among the players being considered.

Newcastle are also looking for further attacking quality following Anthony Gordon’s departure. Their significant summer rebuild has already changed Matthias Jaissle’s squad, but Baena is now being presented as another potential addition for January.

Aston Villa’s interest comes with an additional connection.

Unai Emery previously worked with Baena at Villarreal and therefore knows the 25-year-old well. Villa also lost an important attacking option when Morgan Rogers completed his move to Chelsea during the summer.

That makes Baena an understandable target, although interest from all three clubs currently appears unlikely to produce a January transfer.

Atlético’s position represents the biggest obstacle.

Esto es Atleti reports that the Spanish club do not want to sell Baena “for any price” during the January window. They consider him an important part of their squad and have no intention of weakening the team midway through the campaign.

Baena is also said to be happy in Madrid and is not currently looking for an exit.

That leaves City, Newcastle and Villa facing a difficult task regardless of how strong their interest becomes.

A January transfer therefore looks complicated under the current circumstances, but continued performances at this level could ensure Premier League interest remains beyond the winter window.

City, Newcastle and Villa can continue monitoring Baena heading towards January, but Atlético’s stance means there is currently little indication that a winter transfer will become possible.

If the Spain international maintains his current form, however, his situation could remain one to watch beyond January — particularly with three Premier League clubs already credited with serious interest.