Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reported wants to beat Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to the signing of Ivan Fresneda, who is on the radar of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United as well.
Arsenal, Newcastle United and Aston Villa scout Ivan Fresneda
90min have reported that Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United all want to sign Fresneda from Real Valladolid in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal wanted to sign the teenager in the January transfer window.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta personally spoke to Fresneda in January about a move to North London.
However, Villa manager Unai Emery, a former Arsenal boss, and Newcastle are now also showing interest in the 18-year-old right-back.
90min have reported that Arsenal, Villa and Newcastle all scouted the youngster in action for Valladolid against Valencia in their 2-1 defeat in La Liga on Thursday.
The right-back has a release clause of €30 million (£26.5 million) in his Valladolid contract.
HITC Verdict: Summer transfer could happen
In our view, Ivan Fresneda could leave Real Valladolid at the end of the season, and we believe that Arsenal could sign him ahead of Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
That Arteta has already spoken to the teenager shows that the Gunners have laid the groundwork.
Yes, working with Emery could be tempting for Fresneda, but Arsenal could win the Premier League title this season and will certainly play in the UEFA Champions League next campaign.
Arsenal have a young and dynamic team, and the chance to work with Arteta and progress in his career could be hugely appealing to Fresneda.
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