Tottenham and Arsenal are in the mix to sign an exciting LaLiga winger with a tremendous left foot, Real Madrid have begun a plan that will hopefully see them avoid having to pay huge money for Erling Haaland, while Marseille are ready to make a second bid for a West Ham attacker.
SPURS, ARSENAL IN BATTLE TO SIGN LALIGA WINGER
Highly-rated Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea has emerged as a target for north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
The Spaij Under-21, who has only just turned 22, was scouted by both sides over November and December, although an ankle injury did force him out of action for three weeks during that timespan.
Reports on Thursday suggest that Mikel Arteta wants Barrenetxea on board to create more competition for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka at The Emirates.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spent a season with Sociedad from 2004-05 and still has an excellent relationship with the club.
As for Tottenham, Ange Postecoglou has reportedly likened Barrenetxea to Jota, the Portuguese wideman who excelled for him at Celtic.
Despite signing Timo Werner on loan this month, it’s reported that Postecoglou still wants another attacker through the door – especially with Bryan Gil being linked with a loan exit.
Barrenetxea has scored four goals in 22 games in La Liga this season and also added two assists.
He actually made his Sociedad debut when aged just 16 in 2018 to become the first player born in the 21st century to play in LaLiga.
IN FOCUS: January frenzy: When the winter window will explode and why as Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle stances revealed
Postecoglou, Arteta still hunting attacking talent
His potential arrival would certainly signal an intention to the current wingers at Arsenal and Tottenham.
But in terms of where he is more likely to get more game time, it’s more likely that would come in the red half of north London.
The report states that Postecoglou has been given the green light to move for Barrenetxea, who has the ability to play on either wing.
He can even play centrally as a second striker due to his technical ability in tight spaces and has been compared to former Manchester City and Spain star Jesus Navas.
The Gunners aren’t exactly blessed with may wide men, while Postecoglou has a plethora to call on – when they are all fully fit.
Although skipper Son Heung-min is currently away at the Asia Cup, the Aussie still has Werner, Gil, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, while Ryan Sessegnon has just returned from injury and Manor Salomon is expected to return at some point this season.
