Aston Villa reportedly lead the way in the race to sign Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena this summer, but face possible competition from Barcelona.
While our primary focus is on finishing this season and securing Champions League qualification, President of Football Operations, Monchi, and our recruitment staff are undoubtedly already busy planning for the summer transfer window.
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Having enjoyed impressive progress under Unai Emery since his appointment, it’s imperative that Villa continue to strengthen and improve the current squad in order for us to be increasingly competitive on all fronts.
In turn, this summer’s transfer window will be another vital one for the club, and while speculation is already rife over our touted interest in Baena, El Desmarque report that Villa are currently in pole position to sign him, but there are potential stumbling blocks before a possible deal materialises.
It’s noted that Barcelona are also keen on the 22-year-old and so we could face stiff competition for his signature, but Emery is said to have instructed Monchi to seal a reunion with his former player. However, the Spanish ace has a €60m release clause in his current contract, and so negotiations are touted to try and bring that fee down if possible.
That is seemingly where we have the edge though, as although Baena publicly talked up a move to Barcelona not so long ago, the Catalan giants are likely to struggle with paying such a significant transfer fee.
Baena has certainly been in impressive form this season, scoring five goals and providing 17 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
With that in mind, his creativity and quality in the final third is evidently something that has caught the eye of Emery and the Villa scouting staff with the former knowing what he’s capable of already, and he could prove to be an important signing and asset to add to the current group.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s season-long loan deal will come to an end this summer and the Italian playmaker may well be on his way back to Galatasaray having struggled to showcase his best form for Villa on a consistent basis this year.
Further, with the likes of Emiliano Buendia and Jacob Ramsey coming back for lengthy injury layoffs, it could be an area that we prioritise this summer along with other specific needs, but time will tell if it will be Baena who arrives as the solution.
