Arsenal in battle with Tottenham Hotspur for Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea

Arsenal are interested in recruiting the services of Real Sociedad attacking midfielder Ander Barrenetxea, but they face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Sun.

The Gunners scouted the 22-year-old Spaniard last November and December, and manager Mikel Arteta maintains an excellent relationship with the La Liga club having once played for them.

Arsenal see Barrenetxea as a top target and believe he can provide Gabriel Martinelli with much-needed competition.

The Brazilian winger has suffered a dip in form this term, with just two goals and two assists in 18 Premier League games.

Barrenetxea has scored thrice and weighed in with an assist in 14 La Liga games, and he has scored once and assisted another in five Champions League appearances.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will attempt to sign the Spain youth international this month, but they have sent representatives to scout him today when Sociedad take on Osasuna away from home later tonight.

Spurs will also have their scouts in attendance tonight as manager Ange Postecoglou is desperate to bolster his attacking ranks.

Barrenetxea can play on both wings, in central midfield and has also featured centrally as a second striker due to his pace and skill.

His versatility is one of the things which have attracted Arsenal, but they will need to pip Tottenham to his services as their bitter North London rivals are desperate to land him.

Barrenetxea made his Sociedad debut when he was just 16, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to play in La Liga, and his huge potential is attracting two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

The Gunners and Spurs have often found themselves battling for the same players, and it appears another transfer target could see both of them go head to head in the market again.