Chelsea are reportedly increasing their interest in a young, talented winger currently plying his trade in Spain, and may look to swoop in January.

What’s the word?

Following reports from Spain, the Blues, as well as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool have emerged as three outfits circling to sign 21-year-old Villarreal sensation Alex Baena, who is emerging as one of the hottest commodities in Spain at present.

Having taken monumental strides in his development since the start of the campaign, Baena has emphatically cemented his role in the Yellow Submarine team after starring on loan with second-tier Girona last year. 

And now after only a matter of months, Villarreal boss Quique Setien might face an uphill battle in securing the long-term future of his young prized asset.

A shrewd signing

In a market littered with extortionate price tags and lucrative deals, Chelsea could unearth their next gem for a relatively reasonable fee, with the player holding a release clause of£30m. 

Despite his young age, Baena has swiftly demonstrated that he possesses the tools and the aptitude to flourish on the major stage.

Indeed, last season the whiz found his feet in the Segunda Division, playing a frequent role and recording five goals and six assists across38league matches for Girona, who wonpromotionvia the play-offs.  

And with his parent club impressed, Baena was offered a place in the Villarreal first-team, with the club benefitting from his quick pace and desire to instigate direct forward play.

And now, during his breakout season, the Spanish U21 international has recorded nine goals and four assists across21fixtures this term, notably starring in the Europa Conference League.

In fact, the ace’s average rating of7.80in the European competition is the best from any player competing, highlighting the budding stardom that lies at the feet of this talented winger. 

Offering2.2 shots per match, making two key passes and creating two big chances, alongside the four goals netted in the competition, Baena will only continue to see his stock rise with such resounding displays. 

With new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly constantly scouring the market for young phenoms capable of wreaking havoc on opposition defences, Baena might just be the best option to delve into, and with strikes scored with “perfection”, the Blues could be well placed to climb the Premier League table with his signature. 

If the west Londoners are indeed seeking to bolster the squad across multiple fronts in the forthcoming transfer window, Baena could be a fine option to inject some real quality, while also not breaking the bank and allowing the club to focus on multiple avenues.