Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign a La Liga winger with a £65million release clause. After finally reclaiming the Premier League trophy last season, Mikel Arteta is wasting no time strengthening his squad ahead of Arsenal's title defence.
One of their transfer priorities this summer is signing a new left-winger, with the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard uncertain. Both players are out of contract next year, with Newcastle United among many clubs interested in Trossard, while Martinelli appears to be out of favour at the Emirates.
Transfer Targets
Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers and PSG forward Bradley Barcola are among the players the Gunners are considering. Now, according to The Sun, Arteta is also contemplating a move for Real Sociedad's Ander Barrenetxea.
The winger recorded three goals and five assists in 30 La Liga appearances last season, as well as scoring just 14 seconds into the Copa del Rey final victory over Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old earned his first Spain cap in March and seemed set to be included in their 2026 World Cup squad, only for an injury to rule him out.
Interest from Rivals
Capable of playing on either flank, it has been reported that Chelsea and United have been 'closely monitoring' Barrenetxea throughout the campaign, while the latest report adds that Tottenham are also interested in the player.
Arsenal have had recent success with purchases from Sociedad, signing midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi over the past two summers. However, the Spanish side have no interest in selling Barrenetxea, who is under contract until 2030, and will not accept an offer below his £65m release clause.
That price tag is said to be too high for the Gunners, yet cheaper than what they have been quoted for Rogers, who is in contention to start England's opening World Cup game against Croatia on Wednesday.
