Arsenal are reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena as they weigh up attacking reinforcements ahead of January. The Spain international has five goals and four assists this season, and Manchester City are among the other clubs who have had him on their radar. According to Caughtoffside.com.

Baena’s versatility fits Arsenal’s search for more goals up front

Arsenal’s interest is rooted in a scoring problem. Mikel Arteta’s side have managed only 15 Premier League goals in their first ten matches, and although they currently sit top of the table, they are frequently relying on narrow victories. That reliance could become costly as the season goes on.

The summer window did little to solve it. Arsenal targeted ambitious signings such as Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers but missed out on both, while summer signing Christos Tzolis is still settling in and adjusting to English football. That leaves further attacking additions firmly on the agenda for January.

Baena’s numbers make him a logical candidate. The Spain international has five goals and four assists in La Liga and the Champions League so far this season, and the 25-year-old can be deployed in several attacking roles, out wide on either side or through the middle. That flexibility is central to his appeal.

According to the Independent, Baena is one of several attacking players under consideration at Arsenal ahead of January, with Eli Junior Kroupi, Antonio Nusa and Endrick also on the list. Baena could give Arteta a different kind of option in the forward line, an area where the club have struggled for goals this season.

Manchester City are among the other clubs to have had Baena on their radar, and it will be interesting to see whether they or others compete for him this winter. Enzo Maresca already has Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden and Iliman Ndiaye, which points to considerable depth in that area.