Ivan Fresneda is reportedly a £15 million target for Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle United and Spanish football expert Terry Gibson believes the Real Valladolid youngster could be a sound investment, speaking on El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
He may be biased, of course, but Valladolid coach Pacheta said what Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe appear to be thinking when discussing the future of his much-coveted Spain U19 international recently.
If you are a head coach on the lookout for a talented young right-back, then who better than an 18-year-old who succeeded where so many others have failed by keeping Vinicius Jr quiet?
Fresneda’s eye-catching display during Valladolid’s 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in December only served to enhance the teenager’s growing reputation; a potential £15 million move away from the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on the cards before next week’s transfer deadline.
Arsenal lead Newcastle United in race to sign La Liga starlet Ivan Fresneda
Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s head of recruitment, was in the stands that night. The Magpies have held talks for Fresneda, the Northern Echo add, though Arsenal remain in pole position. Fresneda’s representative even visited the Gunners’ training ground recently (Goal).
It’s difficult to get a handle on the true extent of his potential. He’s started just seven La Liga games, after all. But Gibson believes an affordable price-tag makes Fresneda a punt worth taking.
“When I’ve spoken to clubs over the years, I’ve spoken about players who have played two or three seasons (of first-team football) and they’ve never heard of them. Yet for some reason, this young boy at Valladolid – who is good, he’s solid, he’s made a really good start to his career – has speculation linking him to big clubs all over Europe,” says the former Man United and Tottenham forward.
“It appears that, despite having an eight million euro buy-out clause, he’s going for £15 million! I can understand why a club would do it (pay the fee). He’s had a good start. He’s relatively cheap for a Premier League club.”
‘Worth an investment’
Following four successive starts, Fresneda was dropped to the bench for Valladolid’s 3-0 defeat away to an Antoine Griezmann-inspired Atletico Madrid last weekend.
“It’s interesting that he didn’t (start vs Atletico). So I think the speculation is true, that he’s going somewhere,” Gibson adds.
“I think he’s a really promising young right-back. He looks more mature than an 18-year-old. He’s been good.
“A world-beater? I don’t know. But, at 18, it’s worth an investment from a club that’s got that money lying around.”
Newcastle could turn to West Ham’s Harrison Ashby if Fresneda does indeed end up at Arsenal (Daily Mail).
Another La Liga youngster on the Magpies’ radar is Rayo Valladano’s Fran Garcia. He, however, is close to joining European champions Real Madrid.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
