Arsenal are serious about their interest in Atletico Madrid playmaker Alex Baena, who has been a man on a mission since the World Cup.

The Spain international was snapped up by Atleti for €42 million last year after establishing himself as one of LaLiga's premier chance creators at Villarreal, but he initially struggled to live up to his price tag in the capital.

Although Baena has spent most of his career on the left wing, he is not really a traditional wide player, and it really shows when he is not utilised properly. He likes to orchestrate attacks instead of sprinting down the touchline and taking people on.

Despite his indifferent form at Atleti, Baena was a crucial part of the Spain team that won the World Cup this summer. He deputised for the not-fully-fit Nico Williams and managed to impress as La Roja comfortably marched to the title.

This experience seems to have revitalised him. Baena has been one of the standout performers in LaLiga this season as Atleti have enjoyed their best start to a campaign in more than a decade. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak.

Arsenal back in for Baena

Manager Diego Simeone concurs that Baena looks a different player after the World Cup. Last month, he said: "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. We’ll have to manage his playing time so that his unique qualities can shine through."

Baena's strong form hasn't gone unnoticed outside of Spain. On 22 October, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Arsenal had revived their long-standing interest in the 25-year-old in light of his sparkling form.

Arsenal, of course, are in the market for a left-sided attacker after failing to sign Vinicius Jr in the summer. Baena, thanks to his versatility, fits the profile of player Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta want.

The Gunners first became aware of the attacker during his impressive spell at Villarreal, with FootballTransfers already revealing in 2024 that Baena had emerged on the Premier League club's radar.

Despite Arsenal's newfound interest, we emphasised last month that a January deal was unlikely due to Baena's importance to Atleti. The admiration for the player is very real, though, as now also confirmed by TEAMtalk.

It is claimed that it would take at least €80 million for Atleti to consider a sale next summer, and this may even increase as there are more suitors than just Arsenal. Bayern Munich and Tottenham have also shortlisted the Spaniard.

Former Villarreal boss Unai Emery, now at Aston Villa, remains an admirer of the playmaker as well, while Man City and Newcastle have made checks in recent months. Baena became a Villarreal starter under Emery in 2022 after a successful loan at Girona.

A transfer is not imminent, but with Arsenal in need of attacking reinforcements, this situation will be one to watch heading into 2027.