Exclusive: Aston Villa target signing of 22-year-old Villarreal midfielder this summer as Unai Emery looks to repeat Pau Torres masterstroke at Villa Park
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are interested in signing Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena, TBR Football understands.
The Villans are in a great position in the Premier League table right now. They are currently fourth, a place and six points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, albeit Spurs have played two games fewer.
Emery would love nothing more than to see his side qualify for next season’s Champions League, but irrespective of what happens, he is keen to bolster his side in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Aston Villa are interested in signing Alex Baena from Villarreal, TBR Football understands.
Unai Emery is understood to have advised Villa about Baena following his arrival at the club, and they have been watching his situation closely ever since.
Baena was promoted to Villarreal’s first-team during Emery’s time at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The 22-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season with the Spanish club – he tops La Liga’s assist charts with nine to his name already. He was also handed his Spain debut in August.
Baena signed a new deal in January 2023, which included a release clause of just over £50 million. But, it remains to be seen if Villarreal would demand that to be paid.
TBR Football understands that Villa are looking at midfield options as they consider whether to make Nicolo Zaniolo’s loan move at the club permanent.
Villa sources have told TBR that ‘no decision’ has yet been made on Zaniolo, who joined the club from Galatasaray in August last year. The Italian recently earned praise for his performance against Arsenal.
Every manager in the world would love to have versatile players in their squad and Unai Emery is no different. Alex Baena is a player the Aston Villa boss knows very well having worked with him at Villarreal during his time there, and he is aware of the 22-year-old’s versatility.
In 40 games in all competitions for the Yellow Submarine this season, Baena has played on both flanks, as an attacking midfielder and also as a number eight.
He is a hugely versatile player and will give Emery plenty of options if Aston Villa can sign him this summer. If Villa re successful in their pursuit of the player, they will be hoping he follows in the footsteps of Pau Torres who has been a huge hit after joining the Midlands club from the Yellow Submarines last summer.
