Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race to sign a La Liga winger with a £65million release clause. After finally reclaiming the Premier League trophy last season, Mikel Arteta is wasting no time strengthening his squad ahead of Arsenal’s title defence.
Transfer Priority: Left-Winger
One of the club’s main transfer priorities this summer is signing a new left-winger, with the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard uncertain. Both players are out of contract next year, with Newcastle United among many clubs interested in Trossard, while Martinelli appears to have fallen out of favour at the Emirates.
Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, as well as PSG forward Bradley Barcola, are among the players the Gunners are considering. According to The Sun, Arteta is also exploring a move for Real Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea.
Barrenetxea’s Season
The winger recorded three goals and five assists in 30 La Liga appearances last season, and scored just 14 seconds into the Copa del Rey final victory over Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old earned his first Spain cap in March and seemed set for a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad until an injury ruled him out.
Capable of playing on either flank, Barrenetxea has been closely monitored by Chelsea and United throughout the campaign, with Tottenham also reportedly interested.
Arsenal’s Recent Success with Sociedad
Arsenal have had recent success signing players from Real Sociedad, having brought in midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi over the past two summers. However, the Spanish side has no intention of selling Barrenetxea, who is under contract until 2030, and will not accept an offer below his £65m release clause.
That price tag is considered too high for the Gunners, yet it is cheaper than what they have been quoted for Rogers, who is in contention to start England’s opening World Cup game against Croatia on Wednesday.
