Aston Villa could finish fourth in the Premier League this season along with winning the Europa Conference League title, but Unai Emery would still be looking to strengthen during the summer.
Indeed, the Spaniard is eyeing up a player who is currently shining in La Liga at the moment…
Aston Villa transfer news
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Villa “remain interested” in a move for Villarreal star Alex Baena after his form for the Spanish side this season.
In December 2023, Spanish outlet AS (via Sports Witness) claimed that the Midlands side could make a move for Baena during the upcoming winter transfer window.
The report stated that the player was under contract until 2028, with a release clause of €60m (£52m) inserted into it.
Fast-forward a few months later, and it appears as though Villa’s interest hasn’t waned, with Emery looking like he could strike once the summer transfer window opens.
The attacking midfielder has shown a penchant for creating plenty of chances for his teammates this season, while he is also similar to a current Premier League sensation – Martin Odegaard.
How Alex Baena compares to Martin Odegaard
Throughout the 2023/24 campaign, the 22-year-old has played 40 times for Villarreal, scoring five times while registering 13 assists in all competitions.
Ollie Watkins has been Villa’s biggest threat in front of goal, but Baena currently has one more assist than the Englishman (12), proving that the Spaniard could be an ideal option to have playing directly behind the striker.
Arsenal have fully reaped the rewards of turning Odegaard into a player yet to fulfil his potential to be one of the best-attacking midfielders in Europe. Perhaps Emery could do the same with Baene should he join this summer?
