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Arsenal ‘weighing up’ move for Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea

By on June 14, 2026

Arsenal are ‘weighing up’ a swoop to sign Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea this summer, according to The Sun.

A long-standing commitment to nurturing talent from within has seen Sociedad earn widespread praise not only for producing players but also for entrusting key coaching roles to individuals developed through the club’s own system.

Mikel Oyarzabal, Jon Martín, Jon Gorrotxategi, Aritz Elustondo, and Barrenetxea all stand as prominent examples of that approach, with Barrenetxea continuing to grow into an increasingly important figure at the club.

His debut arrived on 22 December 2018 in a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés — a landmark occasion that made him Sociedad’s youngest debutant since 1934 at just 16 years and 359 days old.

In the years that have followed, the 24-year-old has made 234 appearances for the Basque club, contributing 28 goals and 18 assists, and has played a meaningful part in their historic Copa del Rey triumph this season.

His performances are set to attract significant interest among several clubs, including Arsenal, according to The Sun, which claims that the north London giants are ‘weighing up’ a move to sign the winger this summer.

Amid uncertainties regarding Gabriel Martinelli’s future, Mikel Arteta is keen on reinforcing his options on the flanks with more than one winger should the Brazilian depart the club, and Barrenetxea is being considered as a potential option, according to the report.

Barrenetxea to Arsenal

However, Sociedad are poised to retain the 24-year-old in San Sebastián and are unwilling to consider any offers below his £65m release clause, the Sun adds.

Arsenal were arguably the most dominant team in Europe last season, reaching the finals of two of the three competitions they entered while also winning the Premier League after finishing second in the previous three seasons.

While the UEFA Champions League final loss was disappointing, their run to the final showed the hard work and, most importantly, the quality of their recruitment the previous summer.

Arteta will be keen on retaining his side’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions next season, and the right recruitment of world-class players will help achieve this.

As a result, £65m for Barrenetxea may be too steep, as the Spaniard is yet to reach 20 goals or assists in over 150 appearances in LaLiga.

Instead, the funds should be invested into a more proven, reliable and world-class attacker who can hand the manager a potent attacking threat heading into next season.