Arsenal now battle Spurs for Gabriel Martinelli rival who terrorised Real Madrid

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Arsenal are now reportedly interested in Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea as they look to add to their attacking ranks.

Although Arsenal’s first-choice wide attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are top class when on form, their recent performance levels have dipped, and there is little alternative within the squad who can add the speed and goal threat they provide.

The likes of Pedro Neto and Michael Olise have been linked with big-money moves, but Arsenal are eyeing up other options, and now appear to be taking a heavy look at Real Sociedad for a number of their players.

Arsenal have scouted Ander Barrenetxea from Real Sociedad

A report from The Sun has now revealed that Arsenal, as well as rivals Tottenham Hotspur, have scouted Barrenetxea in recent months.

Arsenal are keen on signing the 22-year-old as competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left-wing, and believe that he could be the solution to the problems they have faced when substituting him off for Leandro Trossard.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have an excellent relationship with Real Sociedad which could play a part in the deal.

Arteta himself played for La Real, whilst Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney have traded the Emirates for Anoeta in recent years, and Arsenal are also interested in Martin Zubimendi.

What would Barrenetxea bring to Arsenal?

The Spaniard is a bright talent who has been developing well over the years, and has the potential to explode.

He burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old, and became the youngest player to score against Real Madrid in La Liga history when he scored his first goal in the competition in 2019.

Out of 11 La Liga goals in his career, three have come against Los Blancos, which included an excellent strike in a 2-0 victory last season, and a finish from a delightful team move at the start of this campaign.

Like Martinelli, Barrenetxea can fill in as a centre-forward if necessary, but thrives on the left-wing as a right-footer, and also scored an excellent goal in the Champions League against Benfica earlier this season.

Whilst his numbers are not overly impressive for now, his age has to be taken into account, and he has overall made 107 league appearances and 48 starts, with 11 goals and three assists to his name, but if given a chance at Arsenal, he could add speed, agility and skill to the attack which has struggled this season.