Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will hold further talks over Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, a player Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have moved on from and are now focusing on West Ham United’s Harrison Ashby. according to The Daily Mail.
Newcastle back away from signing Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda
The report has claimed that Arsenal are back in pole position for Fresneda and will hold further talks with the agent of the 18-year-old right-back in the coming days.
Newcastle tried to sign the teenager last week, but they have now decided to abandon their chase of the Spanish youngster.
The Magpies are now trying to sign 21-year-old right-back Harrison Ashby from Premier League rivals West Ham instead.
The Daily Mail have added that Arsenal are looking for cover at right-back, as Cedric Soares is expected to leave for Fulham in the January transfer window.
Good news for the Gunners
In our view, Newcastle United deciding not to pursue Ivan Fresneda is good news for Arsenal.
It means that the Gunners will face less competition for the Spanish right-back.
If Cedric Soares left for Fulham in the final days of the January transfer window, then it would make sense to get cover for him.
Now, of course, we have seen Ben White play as a right-back for Arsenal this season despite being a centre-back by trade.
And Takehiro Tomiyasu is still a very reliable right-back.
But, it is always good to have more options, especially in a season where you could win the Premier League.
And for just £8.8 million, we believe that Fresneda would be a good option to have for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, not just for now, but in the long term as well.
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