Arsenal have held talks with the agent of Real Valladolid gem Ivan Fresneda over a transfer in January. But Mikel Arteta does not view the right-back as an instant first-team upgrade.
That is according to the Evening Standard, which reports the Gunners view Fresneda to be a long-term signing. Arteta already has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu pushing to start in the position. Yet Arsenal remain in the market for a young talent who can start in the future.
Fresneda has earned Arsenal’s interest after establishing himself as a regular star with Real Valladolid this season. The 18-year-old has made 11 of his 13 career senior appearances in 2022/23. He has also started in seven of the Madrid-born prospect’s nine La Liga matches.
Arsenal are now discussing a potential transfer for Fresneda with the Real Valladolid gem’s representatives. But he is unlikely to leave the Estadio Jose Zorrilla in January. Instead, the Pucelanos want to keep the former Real Madrid academy talent on loan until the summer.
Fresneda has become a vital part of Real Valladolid boss Pacheta’s squad since his debut La Liga appearance in September. The Spain U19 international is the Pucelanos’ first choice at right-back as they strive to avoid an immediate return to the Segunda Division this term.
Newcastle are battling Arsenal to secure Fresneda’s transfer from Real Valladolid
Arsenal are far from the only side showing an interest in securing Fresneda’s transfer from Real Valladolid, too. The Daily Mail reports that Newcastle United have held talks with the Estadio Jose Zorrilla side. The Toon are eager to fend off any competition for his signature.
Newcastle’s chief scout, Steve Nickson, also watched Fresneda play against Real Madrid in December. While the defender’s agent, Luis Bardaji, was in London last week to negotiate a potential move. He is available for £9m thanks to a release clause in his contract until 2025.
Yet TuttoJuve reports that Arsenal could blow their rivals out of the water by paying more than Fresneda’s release clause. It suggests the Gunners could offer €20m (£17.5m) to edge out Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. He would become Real Valladolid’s record sale then.
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