Atletico love 22-year-old midfielder amid attempts to refresh squad in summer

Atletico Madrid are reportedly contemplating a rebuild this summer, one of the key motivations being an attempt to reduce the average of the squad. Many of their best players are currently in their thirties or approaching them. After Celtic creator Matt O’Riley confirmed an offer from Los Rojiblancos in January, Villarreal playmaker Alejandro Baena has emerged as another younger midifelder they like.

Baena, 22, has arguably been one of the players of the season in spite of Villarreal’s disappointing campaign, and has 5 goals and 13 assists in 37 apearances – he is the leading provider in La Liga too. Currently part of the Spain squad, he has a chance to go to the Euros.

Already with 107 games to his name, Diario AS say that Atletico ‘love’ Baena, and have added him to a shortlist of midifielders that already contains Mikel Merino, Valencia’s Javi Guerra, Girona’s Aleix Garcia and O’Riley. Whether they can afford him is another matter. Villarreal recently renewed his deal until 2028, and he has a €60m release clause.

It seems likely that Baena will have multiple suitors in the summer, and while financially Barcelona might not be able to match Atletico, they have also shown interest in him. Baena’s star has been gradually rising, and while his discipline remains a question mark, his quality is far beyond doubt.

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