Arsenal are planning a move for an in-form forward, with manager Mikel Arteta personally keen, and it has now been revealed whether a deal will be possible in January.
Indeed, the Gunners are interested in bringing in another left-winger, with Eberechi Eze failing to make the desired impact this season, failing to pick up a single goal or assist in six Premier League appearances.
As such, the 28-year-old was rested during the 1-0 win at Anfield at the weekend, but he could return in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, with the north Londoners set to travel to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague.
That is because Christos Tzolis only returned from a thigh injury against Liverpool on Sunday, after missing six games in all competitions, and Eze has performed well in Europe, picking up two goals in three Champions League outings.
|
Premier League statistics |
Eberechi Eze |
Christos Tzolis |
|
Goals |
0 |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
1 |
|
Successful dribbles per 90 |
1.7 |
0.2 |
|
Chances created |
1 |
9 |
|
Big chances created |
0 |
1 |
It is still early days for Tzolis, who only arrived from Club Brugge during the summer, but much like Eze, the 24-year-old hasn’t exactly set the world alight during the early stages of the Premier League season.
Should both players fail to kick on, it may be a smart move to bring in a fresh option out wide, and a left-winger has now emerged as a target ahead of the January transfer window.
Arteta eyeing Arsenal move for Alex Baena
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Arteta is now personally plotting a move for Atletico Madrid star Alex Baena, who is represented by the same agency as summer signing Ezri Konsa.
However, the Spanish side are very reluctant to sanction a mid-season sale, which means a deal is far more likely to take place next summer, at which point they could demand at least £67m for the 25-year-old.
A whole host of rival Premier League clubs are also keen on the Spaniard, alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich, and it is no surprise, given that he has been in inspired form this season.
The former Villarreal man has five goals and three assists to his name in 11 La Liga matches, while he also grabbed an assist in Atletico’s 2-0 triumph against Manchester United in the Champions League last month.
Manager Diego Simeone has also praised the Spain international for his versatility, saying: “Alex is an extraordinary player. We’ve spoken about it several times. We need him to increase his playing rhythm. When he increases his playing rhythm, he becomes a game-changer, because he can play in many positions: central midfielder, left winger, attacking midfielder, and he makes a difference.”
As such, Baena could be a real statement signing for Arsenal, and left-wing is a position they may need to strengthen, considering Eze has received criticism at times this season.
