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Arsenal preparing formal offer to sign Real Socieda star Ander Barrenetxea

By on June 5, 2026

Arsenal are plotting a swoop to sign Real Sociedad left winger Ander Barrenetxea this summer, according to Sports Boom.

Sociedad have also built a reputation for trusting both players and coaches developed in the club’s academy, most notably with Imanol Alguacil, who led the first team from 2018 to 2025 after progressing as a manager through the club’s youth system.

At present, the San Sebastián-based side have as many as 16 players in their senior squad who have come through the famous Real Sociedad academy at Zubieta, placing them among the highest contributors of homegrown talent across Europe’s top five leagues.

Alongside names such as Mikel Oyarzabal, Jon Martín, Jon Gorrotxategi and Aritz Elustondo, Ander Barrenetxea remains another key academy graduate making his mark at the senior level.

The 24-year-old made his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés on 22 December 2018, becoming the club’s youngest debutant since 1934 at the age of 16 years and 359 days.

Since that breakthrough moment, he has made 234 appearances for the Basque side, scoring 28 goals and providing 18 assists, and has also played an important role in their historic Copa del Rey triumph this season.

Now, according to Sports Boom, Barrenetxea has attracted the interest of several top clubs, particularly in the Premier League.

Trossard replacement?

One of the clubs eyeing a move for the 24-year-old is Arsenal, according to the report, which claims that the Gunners have been closely monitoring him ahead of a potential move to the Emirates this summer.

The report adds that the London club view Barrenetxea as a potential replacement for Leandro Trossard, citing his effectiveness on the wings as a perfect fit for the club.

It appears Arsenal are accelerating efforts to complete the transfer, as Sports Boom adds that the Premier League winners are preparing to submit a formal offer of around £25m to sign the Spaniard this summer.

However, a deal won’t be easy, as Sociedad will only negotiate if the Gunners are willing to trigger the £64m release clause to sign Barrenetxea, who is also of keen interest to Aston Villa and Tottenham, as per the report.

While the Spanish international does not quite match the attacking output Trossard provides, there’s optimism he could develop into a unique attacking threat under Mikel Arteta should Arsenal trump rivals to secure his signature this summer.