Barcelona will try to sign Arsenal, Liverpool target next summer, Laporta believes he has ‘Barça DNA’

Earlier today, we reported that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is an admirer of Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena, who himself is a Blaugrana supporter.

It was also suggested that the Catalans are interested in the Spaniard, who could cost around €20-30 million.

Joan Laporta also a huge fan of Baena

Building on that, Manu Sainz of AS is now reporting that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is also a great fan of Alex Baena and his talents.

The 22-year-old versatile midfielder was one of the players on Barça’s agenda during the previous summer window, as they sought reinforcements for this season.

Former director Mateu Alemany and president Laporta saw Baena as a player with ‘Barça DNA’ and tried to find a formula to bring him in.

However, the club’s financial constraints and the fact that Villarreal did not consider the formula of a loan with an option to buy, ruined the attempt.

The report states that Alemany’s departure from Barcelona has not changed the club’s intentions regarding Baena. His good start to the season, with a goal and two assists, keeps him as a target for next season.

In fact, Laporta is keeping a close eye on the progress of the player he has his eye on, although the report states that Xavi could favour Joshua Kimmich over Baena.

Strong Premier League interest

Barcelona are not the only club that have Baena on their agenda. Aston Villa were another team interested in signing him this summer, but in the end, the deal did not materialise.

Apart from Aston Villa, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal also have a strong interest in him, so it cannot be ruled out that one of them could try to take him in the next winter transfer window.

Baena extended his contract with Villarreal until 2028 last January. The deal also involved an increase in his buy-out clause to over €60 million, although Villarreal would be willing to negotiate a transfer for a price in the region of €40 million.