Arsenal want Ivan Fresneda and the Real Valladolid defender has admitted that he is flattered by their interest
The Gunners seemed to be pushing hard to sign Fresneda during the January window.
The Daily Mail reported that Arsenal matched Borussia Dortmund’s £13million offer to sign Fresneda.
Fresneda’s agent Luis Bardaji visited Arsenal’s training ground according to Goal and a move looked to be in the pipeline.
The Athletic noted that Fresneda was deciding on a move to Arsenal late in January, but the window passed without a deal being done.
Arsenal are surely still interested in signing Fresneda with the young right back one for the future rather than right now.
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury problems may leave Arsenal chasing another with back and Fresneda makes sense as a target.
Ivan Fresneda is learning English amid Arsenal interest
Fresneda has now spoken to AS after staying with Valladolid beyond the January window.
It’s noted that Fresneda is learning both English and German, which is notable given the interest from Arsenal and Dortmund.
Fresneda went on to say that the rumours linking him with Arsenal, Dortmund and more are a ‘source of pride’ for him.
However, Fresneda noted that he already plays for a big team in Valladolid, where he remains fully focused despite the interest.
“It’s a source of pride, but I always say it: I’m also in a big team, Valladolid,” said Fresneda. “My head only thinks about my team. And these days, also in the [Under-19] national team,” he added.
Fresneda, formerly of Real Madrid, has impressed in a breakthrough season for Valladolid.
Valladolid boss Pacheta has called Fresneda ‘fantastic’ and the 18-year-old has started 10 league games this season.
Arsenal clearly see big potential in Fresneda and Edu may well be encouraged about a summer move with the teenager already learning English.
Fresneda is clearly raw though and Arsenal may be wise to loan him out for a year before using him in the first team.
Dortmund will be a tough challenger in this transfer race but Arsenal will hope their January work pays off.
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