Premier League giants Arsenal can now sign talented right-back Ivan Fresenda for £17 million after Real Valladolid were relegated from La Liga on Sunday.
Just last week, the Spain U21 international insisted that a summer move away from the Estadio Jose Zorilla was far from guaranteed. But that was before Valladolid found themselves tumbling into the Segunda; a 0-0 draw against Getafe meaning the Ronaldo-owned outfit were the big losers on a dramatic final day during which no fewer than seven clubs could have gone down.
Ivan Fresneda – alongside January signing Cyle Larin – was one of the few bright sparks in a poor season for Valladolid.
And, according to Fabrizio Romano, his release clause has now fallen by around £5 million; the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund now free to sign one of Europe’s most exciting young right-backs for a discounted fee of £17 million.
Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda now available for bargain fee
“Ivan Fresneda’s release clause is now 20 million euros after Valladolid’s relegation,” Romano writes before adding; ‘sources feel Fresneda could still leave for less than 20 million euros in the summer.
“Interest but no bid from Arsenal. Dortmund, strongly interested.”
No bid from Arsenal yet.
Fresneda has been open about his admiration for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, via The Athletic. His agent – who Goal say visited the club’s London Colney training ground in January, has also indicated that Arsenal could be the ideal destination for an 18-year-old defender who plays with a maturity and a confidence which belies his age.
“(Arsenal and Dortmund) are two great clubs, about which we have favourable opinions. They give youngsters opportunities,” says Luis Bardaji, Fresneda’s representative.
“There have been around 30 teams who have been interested.”
Another of those 30 clubs, meanwhile, was Newcastle United. Head of recruitment Steve Nickson watched Fresneda in action against Real Madrid in December; with the Magpies entering talks a few weeks later (Northern Echo).
Crystal Palace and big-spending Bournemouth, meanwhile, failed with deadline day approaches of their own at the end of January (Matteo Moretto).
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