Arsenal face Real Madrid, Barcelona competition to sign Ivan Fresneda

Arsenal face competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda this summer, according to Record (page 2).

The young Spaniard was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners during the January transfer window, but Valladolid decided to keep him amid their relegation battle.

The club have now been relegated to the Spanish second tier, but they are still looking for €12-15 million to part ways with the teenager before the transfer deadline.

Record report that Sporting Lisbon have taken the lead in the player’s pursuit, but Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona also have the 18-year-old on their transfer radar.

Arsenal could invest on Fresneda after Timber blow

The Gunners suffered a huge blow this month with Timber suffering an anterior cruciate ligament damage. He is likely to be sidelined for most of the campaign.

As a result, the club are planning to spend in the transfer market again. Bayern’s Benjamin Pavard has been linked with a transfer today and he could be available for €30m up front.

The Frenchman has the ability to play in central defence or at right-back and possesses strong distribution skills. He is also good in tackles and likes to win aerial challenges.

He would be an ideal replacement for the Dutchman, but we won’t be surprised if the Gunners decide to pursue a specialist right-back instead. Fresneda is a player with huge potential.

Last season, the youngster made his breakthrough for Valladolid. He had a passing accuracy of 81 per cent, but caught the eye with his tackling, duel winning ability and tendency to clear his lines.

Fresneda is still inexperienced at the age of 18, but could be seen as a star of the future. Manager Mikel Arteta could play him as a deputy. He could be a regular starter in the long run.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com