Arsenal interested in Atletico Madrid star Alex Baena, FC Barcelona open to offers for rumoured Chelsea target Jules Kounde - Euro Transfer News
By Ben McAleer
Published 02/11/2026 at 20:12 GMT
Arsenal are reportedly considering a January raid for Atletico Madrid star Alex Baena. The Gunners had hoped to snare one Atleti star last summer, but were left frustrated in their efforts to sign Julian Alvarez.
'We're extremely proud' - Arteta hails Arsenal players after first Anfield win in 14 years
Video credit: SNTV
Alvarez pushed to leave the Liga giants over the summer, but the Madrid powerhouses fended off interest from the 2025/26 Premier League champions and Spanish rivals Barcelona.
The Argentina international's future remains up in the air, amidst rumours Barca may yet return for the former Manchester City man in the future.
And they may have a straight shot at Alvarez as Arsenal, according to El Nacional, are instead considering a winter move for 2026 World Cup winner Baena.
The Spain star only moved to Atletico last summer, joining from fellow La Liga side Villarreal.
And while Baena has not nailed down a starting spot for Diego Simeone's side, starting seven of 11 league outings for Los Colchoneros, the wideman has struck five times and provided three assists in Spain's top tier this term.
As such, Simeone would be reluctant to cash in on Baena, who played a key role as Spain secured international glory at Argentina's expense at the World Cup.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/10/31/image-2e28a613-e4c6-4ef6-9bbf-467f9967b120-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Rice wants to stay at Arsenal 'for the long term' - Arteta
Video credit: SNTV
It is no secret that Arsenal remain in the hunt for another attacking player following their failed pursuits of Alvarez and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior in the summer.
The Gunners brought in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge having cashed in on Leandro Trossard, the Belgian star moving to Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas.
Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli also departed the Emirates Stadium as the 25-year-old secured a big-money switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal at the start of September.
As such, a move for Baena in the January transfer is a possibility, even if Atletico are keen to retain his services.
Barca open to Kounde sale
Baena may not be the only player swapping La Liga for the Premier League in the January transfer window.
Spanish publication SPORT reports that Barcelona are open to the possibility of selling right-back Jules Kounde at the turn of the year as they seek to raise funds to strengthen the squad elsewhere.
The France international had been a key player since his 2022 arrival from Sevilla, helping the Blaugrana to three Liga titles.
Kounde, though, has found game time hard to come by for Hansi Flick's men this season, having started just three league matches.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/10/21/image-8dfded69-060b-40ad-a8cb-7dbeff115599-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Watch: Barcelona’s Espart uses clever tactic to counter PSG’s kick-off routine
Video credit: TNT Sports
The 27-year-old finds himself behind Eric Garcia in the pecking order at Camp Nou, while teenager Xavi Espart was preferred to Kounde for the recent UEFA Champions League 4-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
A lack of game time in the first half of the season may convince Kounde to secure a January exit, and his potential availability would reportedly alert Chelsea.
The Blues have previously been credited with an interest in the France international, having pursued the versatile defender prior to his move to Barcelona four-and-a-half years ago.
- Gordon opens up on 'comfort' of 'elite' Yamal and Raphinha connections
- How to watch Barcelona v Villa as Emery's men look to continue perfect start
"There's one Premier League club, in particular, that's already looking at the numbers and enquiring about the possibility of signing him, and that's Chelsea," transfer journalist Matteo Moretto explained on DAZN.
Chelsea added defender Maxence Lacroix to their ranks over the summer, but the former Crystal Palace man has been ruled out until 2027 with a hamstring injury sustained in last week's Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool.
Right-back and captain Reece James is also absent, as the west London side weigh up whether to dip into the defensive market.
AC Milan target three January signings
AC Milan have made a solid start to life under new head coach Ruben Amorim, and moved up to fifth in the Italian Serie A table over the weekend as they claimed a 3-1 win over rivals Inter.
And the Rossoneri are keen to hand Amorim the relevant tools to enjoy a successful debut campaign in Italy.
With that, Calciomercato reports that the club's decision makers are prepared to back the former Manchester United boss in the January window.
The Italian outlet suggests that AC will pursue three new signings to kick off 2027 with a bang, with Sporting CP and Portugal centre-back Goncalo Inacio the top defensive target.
The Serie A outfit are set to target a new striker to provide cover and competition for Goncalo Ramos and Francesco Camarda.
Finally, AC Milan will hope to add a new central midfielder to the ranks as they seek to compete on multiple fronts for the second half of the 2026/27 season.
Watch and stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement