Report: Liverpool and Arsenal battling Guardiola for £30m Rafael Leao replacement

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Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are all in the mix alongside AC Milan to sign Villarreal’s Alex Baena.

According to Calciomercato, Baena is being eyed by Milan as a potential replacement for Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger is in demand and a solid World Cup with Portugal has only increased his stock. A number of English sides, including Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, are all keen Leao.

However, Villarreal’s Baena could also be in the conversation for English clubs. Calciomercato claims that while Milan fancy signing the 21-year-old, they face stiff competition. That competition comes from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City, who have all expressed an interest.

Of course, this isn’t the first mention of English clubs being keen on Baena. Initial reports of interest in the Spaniard came back in September. At the time, Spanish outlet Sport claimed a number of big PL sides were keeping a close watch on the winger.

Baena has enjoyed a fine season already in La Liga. He is already on 13 goals or assists for the season and has a Europa League title to his name as well. Villarreal are thought to be seeking at least £30m to consider selling.

TBR’s View: Baena a man in demand for good reason

Tricky and cultured Spanish forward players have succeeded in England before and it’s easy to see why so many are keen on signing Baena.

He’s enjoyed a superb spell with Villarreal and there’s more to come, given his age. The good thing about Baena is that he has end product. Goals and assists seem to come naturally to him and the fact he can play wide or as a ten is another plus point for interested club.

If £30m is the fee Villarreal want, then it could well be worth the English clubs keen paying up.