Arsenal and Tottenham in 'transfer battle' for history-making Spanish wonderkid

17 January 2024 , 14:33

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Ander Barrenetxea is a transfer target for Arsenal and Tottenham (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal and Tottenham are set to lock horns in a bid to sign Real Sociedad ace Ander Barrenetxea.

The north London rivals are said to have scouted the versatile forward towards the end of 2023, with both sides interested in strengthening in attacking areas. Tottenham have already signed Timo Werner this month after Ange Postecoglou targeted a player who could make an instant impact.

The 22-year-old winger made his La Liga debut at just 16 years old as he became the first player born in the 21st century to feature in the division. He also became Sociedad's youngest debutant following the Spanish Civil war.

Barrenetxea has been a regular this term, making 22 appearances and providing four goals and six assists, including goalscoring contributions across two fixtures against Benfica in the Champions League. The Spaniard has already notched 136 first-team appearances for the Basque side.

According to The Sun, scouts from Arsenal and Spurs will be in attendance for Sociedad's derby against Athletic Bilbao this weekend. Tottenham boss Postecoglou has also likened Barrenetxea to Jota, who the Australian coached at Celtic last term.

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While Spurs have already added Werner to their ranks, Arsenal are yet to make a move this month. The Gunners have recalled Marquinhos from his loan at Nantes but have seen little other movement.

Mikel Arteta is under pressure to improve his squad (Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

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Mikel Arteta has been coy over the prospect of transfers this month but admitted the north London side would be open to deals should they see the need. Arsenal have not tasted victory in their last four matches with the squad's finishing coming under scrutiny.

Speaking in December, Arteta said: "If there is something that we can [do to] improve the squad, and that need appears and we cannot fulfil it with players here, we are always going to be open to do that because we want to be stronger."

He added: "We have certain targets, ideas if things happen. As well, we don’t know how the squad is going to look in two weeks’ time and you have to be always prepared for that. But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well - and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls."

Scott Trotter