Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly thrown their name into the hat for Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda.
According to Fichajes, La Liga giants Barcelona have joined Premier League leaders Arsenal in the pursuit of Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda ahead of the 20223 summer transfer window.
The 18-year-old came through the youth ranks at several clubs including Real Madrid before joining Real Valladolid in 2020. He spent just a year in the club’s academy before being moved on to the reserve team.
Fresneda made his senior bow for the Spanish outfit at the age of 17 against Real Betis in the Copa Del Rey in 2022. Already the first Under-18 player since Dani Vega in 2014 to train with the first team, Fresneda certainly was making waves at the Jose Zorrilla.
He has since made 14 appearances for the Pucelanos’ senior side and has attracted attention from 30 teams for his services. League leaders Barcelona have an eye for talent and have now thrown their name into the hat for the teenager’s services.
The Catalan giants are keen to bolster the right side of their defence and are expected to bring in reinforcements in the upcoming summer transfer window. Having sold Hector Bellerin to Sporting CP in January, Sergi Roberto is the club’s lone specialist right back.
While Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde can do a job in the position, they are better off at centre-back. And Xavi Hernandez will do well to not play them out of position. Barcelona have a reputation for developing young talent, and Camp Nou is a place where Fresneda can have his talent bloom.
A resurgent Arsenal under Mikel Arteta are also keen and should present Barcelona with competition. The Gunners have a youthful side that can develop together in the years to come. And Fresneda should fit in quite well.
However, a move to the Emirates could see him have to initially settle for a spot on the bench. Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a revelation since joining the Gunners, and Ben White is also a capable deputy in the role. More so, moving abroad represents its own challenges.
Barcelona appear set to make their move in the summer and will hope for the youngster to choose them over Arsenal. Given the clubs interested, Fresneda can have his pick when the window opens.
Staying put in Spain, for now, will help him develop his game further in a comfortable environment. It remains to be seen if the player’s former allegiance to Real Madrid will somehow put him off from donning the colours of Barcelona, something Arsenal will hope comes to fruition.
