Speculation continues to build over Aston Villa potentially lining up a move for Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena this summer.
The 22-year-old is having a stellar season this year, scoring five goals and providing 17 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
READ MORE: Exit touted for Villa misfit in sensible potential move for all concerned
Off the back of that impressive impact for his club, Baena will undoubtedly be hoping to make the final Spain squad for EURO 2024 this summer, but rumours continue to circulate over his future.
According to Marca, Unai Emery is considering a swoop for his former player as a crucial reinforcement for his squad ahead of our participation in the Champions League next season.
It’s noted that the Spanish ace is under contract at Villarreal until 2028 and has a release clause worth €60m in his deal, and although it could be difficult to prise him away from the Yellow Submarine, it’s added that they could be open to negotiating if a significant offer were to arrive in the coming months.
Although there hasn’t been anything concrete as of yet to confirm Villa’s interest, the regularity and strength with which we’re being linked with him in Spain perhaps would suggest that there is interest there.
Earlier this week, El Desmarque reported that Villa are in pole position to sign the Spanish international.
Further, it makes sense from our perspective to strengthen that area of Emery’s squad, particularly with the added challenge of competing in the Champions League next season on top of trying to sustain our progress in the Premier League and challenging for domestic silverware too.
Baena has operated in various roles in the final third and through his assists tally has shown how creatively decisive he can be, and with a potential reshuffle in that department at the end of the campaign, there could be a void left for him to fill.
Philippe Coutinho is expected to move on, depending on whether or not a suitable offer arrives, while it seems doubtful that Nicolo Zaniolo’s loan stint will be made permanent over the summer.
While we’ll hope to welcome back a fully-fit duo of Emiliano Buendia and Jacob Ramsey next season to bolster our attacking midfield options, losing those two players noted above could create both financial flexibility and space in the squad to bring in a permanent solution in the form of Baena.
With Champions League football secured for next year, it will hopefully be a pivotal factor when trying to convince our priority targets to join us this summer. Time will tell if Baena is one of those, and subsequently if a deal can be done with Villarreal to prise him away from the La Liga side.
