Arsenal “hold an interest” in Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea, according to CBS Sports reporter James Benge.
The 22-year-old played regularly on the left flank for his club last season, and it appears the Gunners have considered him as a potential alternative to Nico Williams.
Multiple reports have confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side are big fans of Williams and would be tempted to make a bid if they could match his €58m (£49m) release clause and meet his salary demands.
However, at the moment the club don’t have the financial resources. The money they do have will likely be devoted to recruiting Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
What do fans need to know about Barrenetxea?
The Spanish Under 21 international came through Real Sociedad’s academy before making his first-team debut against Alaves in December 2018.
Barrenetxea has been deployed in multiple positions, having played on both wings, as a striker, as a no.10 and even at right-back.
As mentioned, he was predominantly used on the left side of a front three last campaign, scoring 5 goals and providing 2 assists in 39 appearances.
Arsenal are interested in more than one Real Sociedad player
In addition to Barrenetxea, the London club have been keeping close tabs on Martin Zubimendi, while there is also said to be interest in Mikel Merino.
The former Newcastle midfielder has less than a year left on his contract, and there has been speculation that the Gunners could snap him up on a cut-price deal.
There will, though, be competition for Merino, with Barcelona seemingly keen on the 28-year-old as well.
In terms of Barrenetxea, it’s unlikely that Arsenal would have much trouble in securing his signature but he certainly doesn’t possess the quality that someone like Williams has. He would be regarded as an underwhelming addition to the squad.
