Kevin Hatchard has stated that Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda is ‘really highly thought of’ at Real Valladolid ahead of a possible move.
The European football expert shared that Fresneda could go to Newcastle United and play a back-up role to Kieran Trippier, which would be a ‘smart’ move by the club, as he told Transfer Talk on Sky Sports.
Last January, Eddie Howe brought in the vastly experienced Trippier to St James’ Park and the England international has made the world of difference.
Well, now they could down the opposite road and sign an 18-year-old to possibly fill Trippier’s shoes down the line.
The issue Newcastle face is that they aren’t the only ones keen on the right-back, with the Gunners ramping up their interest in the player.
Nonetheless, Hatchard shared what he has been told about Fresneda ahead of a possible move for the rising teenage star.
“Really highly thought of considering he’s not played a huge amount of senior football,” said Hatchard. “The people I speak to who watch Valladolid a lot.
“They talk about him being, not only one for the future, but he could go somewhere like Newcastle United and back-up Trippier, no problem at all.
“If he was thrown into that situation playing in the Premier League, he could deal with it. Good on the ball. He does the basics well. potentially a really smart pick-up.”
ARSENAL AND NEWCASTLE GOING STRONG
The two teams have had their troubles in the past, especially with their owners and how their clubs have been run, but that’s no longer the case.
One thing they have done recently is buy very well. From Bruno Guimaraes to Gabriel Jesus.
And now it seems as though they are looking at the long-term option, which is a box Fresneda would certainly tick, even though Arsenal and Newcastle have two outstanding performers in that position.
Ben White and Kieran Trippier, both England internationals, have been two of the best defensive players this season and it will be interesting who gets ahead of who in the Team of the Season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
