Premier League and Saudi clubs circle as Atletico eye Baena swoop

The likelihood of Villarreal holding onto Baena beyond this summer appears to be diminishing. Speaking recently to El Periodico, the 22-year-old expressed uncertainty about his immediate future: "I'd like to know where I'll be in a few months so I can have peace of mind," he said, while admitting that nothing has yet been decided.

The reality is that Baena already has multiple options on the table. While no formal bids are believed to have been made thus far, there was significant interest in January, when he reportedly turned down a lucrative offer worth between €15 million and €18 million per year from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

That interest remains, and the Saudi club are prepared to improve their proposal in an attempt to sway the midfielder. Despite that, it is not the Gulf state that currently leads the race. Atletico Madrid are understood to be at the front of the queue, with transfer expert Matteo Moretto reporting that the Madrid club are readying a bid in the region of €40 million.

Villarreal, however, are expected to hold firm to the player's €55 million release clause. Aston Villa, meanwhile, would face fewer financial constraints in their pursuit. The Premier League's financial muscle has already seen him attract attention from several English giants — including Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City — but it is Unai Emery's side that have maintained a consistent interest over recent months.

For Baena, the decision will ultimately hinge on ambition. Though he regards Villarreal as "home", he made it clear in last week's interview with El Periodico that he would only leave for a step up: "If I have to leave, it must be to a bigger club. I'd never walk away from here unless it's to aim higher."