On April 30th, AS reported Aston Villa could be an option for Villarreal star Álex Baena in the summer window.
At the end of last week, Jijantes said Barcelona sporting director Deco had a meeting with the winger’s agent at a restaurant in Barcelona.
El Desmarque relay that and then state the Aston Villa target is also on the Catalan club’s radar.
Despite Deco’s meeting with the 22-year-old, it’s claimed the Villans have taken the lead and are ‘on pole’.
Unai Emery, who managed Baena at Villarreal, has convinced Aston Villa director Monchi to make an approach for him in the next window.
The Spain international’s contract lasts until 2028 and it includes a €60m release clause. The report states Aston Villa’s intention is to negotiate a deal for a lower price and if they can’t convince the Yellow Submarine, they could pay €60m for Baena.
Despite showing interest in the Villarreal attacker, Barca won’t be able to reach this figure, at least without offloading some of their players first.
In this way, El Desmarque say the Catalan club ‘clash with’ Monchi and Emery for Baena, who scored five goals and registered 17 assists from 43 games this season.
