Aston Villa intensify efforts to beat Liverpool and other EPL clubs for a star.

Aston Villa is reportedly interested in Alex Baena, per a report from 90min. The Villarreal forward, whose contract includes a £51 million release clause, is the target of increased attention from the Villans. Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in signing the Spanish international.

The past 12 months have seen Alex Baena establish himself as one of La Liga’s top young attackers. The 22-year-old needed some time to settle in the Estadio de la Ceramica despite having graduated from Villarreal’s renowned development level. After returning from a loan stint with Girona last year, though, he hasn’t looked back.

With Villarreal, the Spaniard had a strong 2022–2023 season and made a breakthrough into his country’s squad this year. With 20 games thus far this season, Baena has improved his game, tallying four goals and six assists. Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool have all taken notice of the young player’s growth in the meantime.

Regarding Arsenal, the Gunners are searching the market for a wide attacker to increase the competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Thus, Alex Baena has become a feasible target; Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finds him enticing due to his versatility.

With Mohamed Salah’s future uncertain, Liverpool may need to look elsewhere for a wide attacker in the upcoming season. Even if Baena isn’t a direct substitute, strikers like Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo can be freed up by his inventiveness.

In order to hire Baena, Arsenal and Liverpool are also willing to pay £51 million. However, given Aston Villa’s increased interest in the Spanish international, a January transfer to Villa Park may be imminent.