Premier League leaders Arsenal are keen on signing 18-year-old Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda ahead of next season.
Ben Jacobs has told Caught Offside that Arsenal’s priority is to sign Ivan Fresneda ahead of next season. The 18-year-old has been impressive for Real Valladolid in the ongoing season. And, his performances have not gone unnoticed.
A lot of clubs have their eyes on the Spanish sensation, who has been super impressive in the handful of opportunities that he has had. Signing Fresneda is a priority for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the player and wants him in his ranks ahead of next season after trying to sign him in January.
Ben Jacobs said, “Arsenal’s priority remains Ivan Fresneda, who they tried to sign in January. Fresneda opted to stay at Real Valladolid until the end of the season despite offers from both the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund. Fresneda’s agent Luis Bardaji actually said up to 30 teams had made enquiries for the 18-year-old. Newcastle were also tracking him.”
The 18-year-old has made a total of 12 appearances so far this season. He has been on the pitch for over 800 minutes and has managed to impress in the limited time. Fresneda joined Real Valladolid’s academy back in 2020. He has gone up the ranks in no time and his progress has attracted a lot of attention from across the globe.
Fresneda’s current contract at the club ends in the summer of 2025. But, with a lot of interest in his services, the 18-year-old is likely to leave in the summer. Arsenal are leading the race to sign him. The 18-year-old is a priority signing for the Gunners ahead of next season. They are eager to have him at the Emirates.
Arteta has done a magnificent job at Arsenal, helping them return to their good old days. They are at the top of the Premier League. And a return to the UEFA Champions League after seven long years is almost a certainty.
However, he does have a few concerns to take care of before heading into the next season. The Spanish manager wants to add a new right-back to his ranks. He wants a more attacking option who could help Arsenal compete with the best across Europe.
Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have done a wonderful job at right-back for the Gunners. But, they do not have an x-factor going forward. Arteta wants a young pacey full-back who can make overlapping runs and allow Bukayo Saka to cut inside on his preferred left foot.
The Gunners have identified Ivan Fresneda as the perfect fit for the role. And, they are likely to go all out of his services in the summer. However, they are not the only club interested in the 18-year-old. Around 30 clubs enquired about his services in the winter window. And, they are likely to return ahead of next season.
