Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing 18-year-old Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.
A report from Evening Standard claims that Arsenal and Newcastle United are currently leading the race to sign 18-year-old Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda. And it remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.
Fresneda is regarded as one of the most exciting young defensive prospects in Spanish football. And the player has the potential to develop into a top-class right back. Arsenal could definitely use someone like him. And the Gunners have the resources to secure his services as well.
The defender has a £26.5 million release clause in his contract and the outlay could prove to be a bargain in the long run. Mikel Arteta has had to use the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White as his right-backs this season. And Fresneda could prove to be an excellent acquisition for Arsenal.
The 18-year-old could sort out Arsenal’s right-back position for the foreseeable future. And he is likely to improve with experience and coaching as well. Furthermore, Newcastle United must look to bring in a younger understudy to Kieran Trippier. And the Spaniard would be a superb long-term investment.
The England international is in his thirties, and Newcastle United cannot hope to play him every week. The Magpies could qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, and they will need a deeper squad to compete on all fronts. Fresneda would be a superb acquisition for Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle United have the financial resources to compete with any club in world football. They showed interest in him in January as well. And it remains to be seen whether they can beat Arsenal to his services. The young defender has shown his quality in La Liga this season, and he could be excited to try out a new challenge next year.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League could be hard to turn down. On top of that, a move to Arsenal or Newcastle United would be a major step up in his career and it could accelerate his development. Playing against top-class attackers in England will help him develop quickly and mature as a defender.
