Mateu Alemany works to prevent 2 departures

Mateu Alemany, sports director of Atlético de Madrid, has begun efforts to secure two important pieces of Diego Pablo Simeone's project and for the long-term future of the club: Pablo Barrios and Álex Baena. Both have become indispensable players for the club and are also being pursued by several of the most important projects in the Premier League.

Although both Spanish internationals have contracts valid until the summer of 2030, the Atlético board considers it a priority to review and extend their agreements immediately to deter the growing interest from Premier League clubs and ensure the backbone of the red and white project in the long term.

Pablo Barrios: target for four giants of English football

At just 23 years, Pablo Barrios has established himself as an essential engine in the midfield of the Madrid team. His tactical maturity, physical deployment, and ability to lead offensive transitions have put his name on the scouting agendas of four British giants:

-Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, due to the possible departure of Martín Zubimendi

-Manchester United, given the need to add a top-level midfielder.

-Liverpool, due to the possible departure of Alexis Mac Allister.

-Chelsea, due to the need to add a midfielder after Enzo Fernández's departure in the summer.

Fearing that any of these entities might present an irresistible financial proposal in the upcoming transfer windows of 2027, Mateu Alemany aims to improve his salary conditions and extend the duration of his contract to decisively secure his continuity at the Metropolitano.

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Álex Baena: a priority for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Meanwhile, the red and white technical department is working on securing Álex Baena, a 25-year-old player who has earned an indisputable spot in Simeone's starting lineup thanks to his dribbling, vision for the final pass, and goal contribution. The performance of the Spanish winger has attracted the direct attention of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, who sees him as a strategic reinforcement to enhance their attacking force. To neutralize any attempts from London, the Madrid club will offer him a contractual review in line with his status as a key piece in the present and future of the squad.

The sports management of Atlético de Madrid will hold formal meetings with the agents of Pablo Barrios and Álex Baena during the upcoming weeks of November and December 2026. The goal of Mateu Alemany is to finalize both renewals before the opening of the January 2027 transfer market, sending a message of sporting and financial firmness against the siege from the Premier League.

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