Arsenal looking to sign Ivan Fresneda. According to The Evening Standard, three teams are vying for the services of Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda, including Premier League rival Newcastle United. Arsenal is still in contention to win the Premier League despite having won just one of their previous four games. With a game left to play, they have a two-point advantage over Manchester City and are currently in the first place.
However, it appears that Arsenal is already thinking about the 2023–24 campaign as preparations for the summer transfer market have already begun. It is rumored that the team is prioritizing the acquisition of a new right-back. This season, Mikel Arteta’s first choice right-back has been Ben White, with Takehiro Tomiyasu serving as backup. However, given that both of them are mainly central defenders, it appears that the north London giants are seeking to sign a traditional full-back.
Thus, Fresneda has become a transfer target for the Premier League’s best team. During the winter transfer season, he was prominently associated with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Apart from Arsenal, several other teams were said to have expressed interest in Fresneda in January. He ultimately chose to remain in Valladolid at least through the conclusion of the current season.
Before the start of the following season, the 18-year-old is anticipated to choose his future. Arsenal is anticipated to keep tabs on him for the remainder of the current season. Even though Arteta’s team wants to rekindle their interest in Fresneda, they will face rivalry from other clubs to sign him. The aforementioned source claims that there is a four-way fight for the defense.
Newcastle, a division rival of Arsenal, is considering signing the full-back to St. James’ Park. He has also been mentioned as a possible hire by European powerhouses Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in the months leading up to the summer. Fresneda’s performances have allegedly caught the attention of several clubs in Europe. The four clubs listed above are reportedly dominating the race to sign him, though.
The deal Fresneda has with Valladolid runs through the 2024–25 season. According to the story, he also has a £26.5 million release clause in his contract with the La Liga team. With so many clubs interested in the teenager, the Spanish team will be hoping to receive a sizable transfer fee for his sale. It’s still unclear whether the Arsenal will be successful in obtaining his services in the interim.
In Valladolid’s 3-0 Copa del Rey loss to Real Betis in January of last year, Fresneda made his senior start. Since then, he has appeared 14 times for the team.
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