Barcelona targeting Alex Baena as Gundogan's back-up

Alba Romero 11 months ago 1.6k |

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Barca are interested in Baena (R) as Gundogan's back-up. EFE

'ESPN' reports that Barcelona are keeping an eye on Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena for next campaign. The Catalan giants are targeting him as an alternative to Ilkay Gundogan, who is expected to join the Camp Nou outfit in the summer.

Barcelona are hoping Ilkay Gundogan, who has just lifted the Champions League trophy with Manchester City, will join Xavi Hernandez's side next season. According to several reports, his transfer is "in advanced stages" and could be made official in the next few weeks but there are still the final details.

As a result, according to 'ESPN', the Catalan giants are targeting Villarreal playmaker Alex Baena just in case the German's move is not completed due to their financial problems. The Manchester City midfielder will decide his next destination in the next few days.

The Spaniard has had a superb season at Villarreal, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists in 48 competitive matches. The 21-year-old could be the perfect back-up for Gundogan, who is also being targeted by several European clubs.

Arsenal academy coach Per Mertesacker spoke about his future at Manchester City and said the Gunners are in "a good position" to secure his services. We will have to wait and see what the Germany international decides for his future.