Gundogan hasn't decided on his immediate future, as Manchester City and Barcelona both want to sign the midfielder to long-term contracts.
According to earlier reports, Barcelona wanted the 32-year-old to determine his future on Tuesday and had Baena ready as a backup plan.
According to ESPN, Barcelona might sign both players, but only if their financial situation allows for a double swoop in which manager Xavi identifies additional midfielders.
The LaLiga winners regret not being able to bring back Lionel Messi after the Argentine decided to join Inter Miami when his contract with PSG expired, and they now apparently see the need for innovative reinforcements.
In a recent interview, Xavi made clear his transfer intentions, saying: "I would sign a Santi Cazorla for Barca."
Barcelona thinks Baena has the same profile as the former Arsenal attacker, who was also once of Villarreal and was a star in both the Premier League and LaLiga with his creative powers wrecking havoc on opposing defenses.
The search for a suitable replacement before the start of the new season has been hastened up by Sergio Busquets' decision to end his Barcelona career.
After signing a deal with Villarreal that runs until 2028, Baena pledged his long-term allegiance to the club in January, making it likely that he would command a significant transfer fee from a LaLiga rival.
Gundogan joining on a free transfer would probably be the ideal choice, but the Nou Camp team is constrained financially by the league's regulatory body.
The departures of Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti, among other first-team players, would free up money that might then be used to attempt to negotiate a fee for Baena.
Only one goal and one assist separate the attacking contributions made by the Villarreal star from his Manchester City opponent throughout the course of the season.
However, Gundogan stands out as the more alluring option because to Manchester City's Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup victories.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0