Manchester City have added Atlético Madrid forward Álex Baena to their list of potential future transfer targets. Atlético Madrid have no plans to sell the player this summer.
Álex Baena is a 25-year-old Spanish winger who plays primarily on the left side. He joined Atlético Madrid from Villarreal last year and is under contract with the La Liga side until the summer of 2030. His performances over the past season are understood to have impressed Manchester City's manager Enzo Maresca and the club's recruitment team.
Atlético Madrid currently have "NO plans to sell" the player. This firm stance, combined with Baena's long-term contract, makes any immediate move for the Spaniard highly unlikely. Manchester City's interest is therefore being framed as one for a future window, with the club monitoring his development and contractual situation in Madrid.
Manchester City sit first in the Premier League with a perfect record of nine points from three games. They have scored seven goals and conceded just two. The potential interest in a left-sided attacker like Baena comes as the club manages the absence of Jérémy Doku, who is currently sidelined alongside young midfielder Nico O'Reilly.
The immediate focus for Enzo Maresca's side is firmly on the pitch. Their next challenge is a huge away fixture against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, 13 September. United currently sit 11th in the table. The derby is the next entry on City's fixtures schedule as they look to maintain their 100% start to the campaign. Leading the line will be Erling Haaland, the team's top scorer this season with three goals in three appearances.
