Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur 'interested in Ander Barrenetxea'

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Real Sociedad attacker Ander Barrenetxea during this summer's transfer window.

The 22-year-old has been a vital player for his Basque club during the 2023-24 campaign, featuring on 22 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering two assists in the process.

Barrenetxea has contributed three goals and one assist in 16 La Liga appearances this term, while he managed one goal and one assist in five Champions League outings, with the La Liga team advancing to the last-16 stage of the competition as Group D winners.

The former Spain Under-21s international has been with Real Sociedad since 2013, progressing through the various age groups before debuting for the first team in 2018.

The versatile forward has a record of 15 goals and seven assists in 136 appearances for the senior side, and his current deal is due to run until June 2027.

© Reuters

However, according to The Sun, La Real are facing an uphill task when it comes to keeping hold of the attacker, with Arsenal and Tottenham expressing an interest in his services.

The report claims that both London clubs scouted Barrenetxea towards the end of last year before he picked up an ankle problem which kept him out for three league games.

Arsenal are believed to view the Spaniard as competition for Gabriel Martinelli, while Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou is said to be a huge admirer of him.

Barrenetxea largely operates as a left-sided attacker, but he has also been used through the middle this season, and his versatility is said to appeal to the two Premier League clubs.

© Reuters

Real Sociedad will be determined to resist any January interest in the forward, and it is highly unlikely that he will be allowed to leave during the winter window.

However, the La Liga outfit would find it difficult to resist interest from the Premier League this summer, especially if they are unable to secure Champions League football for next season.

Real Sociedad will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, with the first leg of their tie set to take place on February 14.

Imanol Alguacil's side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga last time out, though, and they are currently sixth in Spain's top flight, nine points behind fourth-placed Barcelona.