Manchester City have identified an Atletico Madrid player as a potential future target after their extensive summer rebuild.
Enzo Maresca’s side started the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with three consecutive victories against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Coventry City.
City also transformed their squad during the summer after several established players departed. Rodri joined Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva and John Stones left after their contracts expired.
Meanwhile, the club invested heavily in midfield reinforcements. Enzo Fernandez arrived from Chelsea for £125M, with Elliot Anderson joining from Nottingham Forest for £116M.
Ayyoub Bouaddi also moved from Lille for more than £81M as City reshaped their midfield options under Maresca.
However, the Premier League leaders are already assessing potential additions for future transfer windows.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City are monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena as they consider a possible future move.
The 25-year-old Spain international can operate centrally or on the flanks. He has started the season with three goals across four league appearances for Atletico.
Baena was also part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad and registered two goal contributions during the tournament.
However, City are unlikely to pursue a deal during the January transfer window. A move at the end of the season could instead become a possibility.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on Baena, creating further Premier League interest in his situation.
Atletico are unlikely to make any potential departure straightforward, with Baena already featuring regularly during the opening weeks of their campaign.
City have nevertheless maintained their interest as they assess longer-term options following their significant summer recruitment drive.
For now, Baena remains at Atletico and there is no indication that City have opened negotiations over a transfer.
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