Arsenal favourites to sign Ivan Fresneda
|Arsenal are favourites to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda this summer with Juventus turning their attention elsewhere, Gazzetta dello Sport claim (page 10).
The north London giants were heavily linked with the Spanish teenager during the winter transfer window but a deal did not materialise before the deadline on January 31.
This has not ended speculation over his future and Gazzetta cite that the Gunners are currently leading the hunt with the Bianconeri turning their focus to other targets.
The Serie A outfit are currently looking at Spezia right-back Emil Holm. He is regarded as an intriguing option due to the higher costs to pursue Fresneda from Valladolid.
Arsenal could pursue Fresneda amid Tomiyasu’s injury woes
Fresneda is currently in his breakthrough season with Valladolid. He was a regular starter for the La Liga outfit after the World Cup but dropped to the bench in the month of February.
However, the 18-year-old returned to the starting XI for his club prior to the international break.
The youngster has yet to make a goal contribution, but he has certainly caught the eye with his defensive attributes. He has averaged 2.5 tackles and 2.4 clearances per league game.
The Spaniard has also won more than five duels per appearance while completing 82 per cent of his passes.
Hence, he has immense potential and Valladolid could demand close to his £26.5 million release clause this summer. Juventus are out of the race but Arsenal could face more competition.
There have been suggestions that Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in his services and Valladolid will be hoping for a bidding war to increase the price tag.
Arsenal have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu as their right-back options, but the latter has suffered a season-ending injury. His recent injury record could pave the way for Fresneda’s arrival.
Stats from Sofascore.com