Transfer Talk: Arsenal, Spurs circling Sociedad's Barrenetxea

Posted Thursday, January 18, 2024 by ESPN

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in a move for Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea, reports The Sun.

The north London clubs have both been scouting the 22-year-old through November and December, but he was then out because of an ankle injury for three weeks.

The Spaniard returned to action 10 days ago and scouts from the two Premier League sides watched him during the Basque Derby against Real Betis, when he played just over an hour in a 0-0 draw.

Arsenal rate Barrenetxea as a top option and see him as somebody who can provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli and the other wingers at the club.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spent a season with the club from LaLiga in the 2004-05 season and still has a positive relationship with them.

Meanwhile, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou likens Barrenetxea to Jota from his time at Celtic and is desperate to add somebody to his injury-hit front line.

Postecoglou has given the go-ahead to push ahead for a deal, while both clubs value the fact that he can play on both wings as well as centrally.

Barrenetxea has played 22 matches across all competitions this season, scoring four goals and assisting another two.

Real Sociedad's Ander Barrenetxea could find himself in north London soon with both Arsenal and Tottenham interested in the winger.