Arsenal are reportedly ready to cool their interest in Ivan Fresneda to focus on more experienced right-back options.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal could cool their interest in Ivan Fresneda as Mikel Arteta could focus on signing experienced players. Joao Cancelo and Timothy Castagne have become stars of interest for the Gunners’ boss. So they may pull the plug in the chase for the 18-year-old Spanish whizkid.
Ivan Fresneda has become a well-known name from Spain owing to the tremendous interest he has garnered over the last six months. Since January, the 18-year-old Spanish whizkid has been mentioned as a potential target for some of the top clubs in England and Germany.
At one stage in January, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were favourites to land Fresneda, but both sides seemingly pushed the chase until the summer. With Real Valladolid suffering relegation, interested clubs have learnt a cut-price fee for the 18-year-old Spanish whizkid, who could leave for €20 million.
Yet, it is a significant investment, and Arsenal were among the clubs keen to sign him in this summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta needs a new option at right-back to compete with Ben White and also provide a different style. Fresneda’s physical profile and versatility impressed the north Londoners, but they have remained sceptical.
Arsenal have increasingly looked at more experienced options, which may indicate that Arteta wants someone to fit in straight away rather than undergo an adaptation process. Moreover, the Gunners have Takehiro Tomiyasu for that position, but he will remain out until the end of September.
Hence, bringing a new right-back, possibly with Premier League experience, will see Arteta pull the plug on the 18-year-old Spanish whizkid. Timothy Castagne emerged as a target from relegated Leicester City. He does fit the profile for Arteta, but much will depend on the cost of operation.
Arteta’s primary target is still Joao Cancelo. The Manchester City man has endured a tough time since January, and there have been rumours of a rift with Pep Guardiola. From a stylistic point of view, he will suit Arsenal. But there’s the issue of doing business with the Premier League champions.
Arsenal will only move for Cancelo if Manchester City drop their asking price. The Gunners are focused on bringing key midfield targets like Declan Rice. After securing the midfielder, they could move for a right-back, preferably Cancelo or Castagne, with the latter a clear alternative.
