Atletico Madrid winger Alex Baena is being closely tracked by Arsenal, according to reports.

TEAMTalk claim that the Gunners have a longstanding interest in the Spanish international, but they have been particularly impressed with his performances this season.

Baena has scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists in all competitions, and his form is attracting the attention of scouts from across Europe.

TEAMtalk report that his excellent recent displays could make it more difficult for Mikel Arteta’s side to secure his services in January.

It is believed that it would take “at least” €80m (£67m) to tempt Atletico into offloading Baena, and a move may still only happen in the summer if the Spanish side stick to their guns and refuse to sell midway through the season.

Why do Arsenal want the forward?

Arteta has been struggling for options on the left wing since the decision to sell both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

Christos Tzolis was snapped up from Club Brugge, but the Greek international has just spent a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and Eberechi Eze was unable to make an impression in his absence.

If Baena were to be brought in, either in January or next summer, it would raise question marks about the long-term future of Eze.

Bayern are seen as the biggest threat in the race for Baena

The likes of Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are said to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, but TEAMtalk claim that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are the likeliest to make a bid.

They have reportedly held “initial” conversations with Baena’s entourage as they explore the market to replace several injured forwards. Considering Atletico’s tough stance, though, any team would have to pay a sizeable fee to prise him away from the Spanish club in January.