Arsenal eyeing rapid £55m attacker likened to Jesus Navas

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Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on one of La Liga’s most exciting young attacking talents.

The Gunners could certainly do with bolstering their attacking ranks this month after failing to hit their lofty expectations so far this term.

While an out-and-out centre-forward would likely be the priority, there’s also scope for Arsenal to get cover for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

Now, according to The Sun, the Gunners are monitoring Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea alongside north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Indeed, Arsenal and Spurs have apparently sent scouts out to watch the 22-year-old in Copa del Rey action against Osasuna on Wednesday night.

The report claims that Mikel Arteta sees Barrenetxea as a “top target” whose versatility – he can play on both flanks and at right-back – is of particular interest.

In addition, the Arsenal boss – who spent a season with Sociedad from 2004-05 – still has an excellent relationship with the club, added the report.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has reportedly green-lit a Spurs approach for the player, who he apparently likens to former Celtic ace Jota.

Arsenal target Ander Barrenetxea – factfile

Barrenetxea, who reportedly has a €60million (£55million) release clause, made La Liga history back in 2018 after coming through the ranks at the San Sebastian club.

He made his Sociedad debut aged just 16, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to play in the top flight of Spanish football.

Barrenetxea has well and truly kicked on since then, making 136 appearances for the club and registering 15 goals and seven assists along the way.

His efforts helped Sociedad win the Copa del Rey in 2020, the club’s first major trophy since the 1980s.

In terms of Barrenetxea’s style of play, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout described him in 2019 as a “flamboyant winger” whose strength include pace, dribbling, flair, technique, balance and crossing.

Kulig also likened the player to Lorenzo Insigne, while The Sun’s report said Barrenetxea has drawn comparisons with Jesus Navas thanks to his versatility, pace and skill.