Chelsea are ready to rival Barcelona for Real Valladolid’s 18-year-old sensation Ivan Fresneda, who remains keen on leaving the club.
According to Sport, Barcelona could face competition from Chelsea in their quest to sign Ivan Fresneda. The 18-year-old Spanish defensive sensation has been the subject of intense interest from the Blaugrana and several Premier League sides, with Chelsea the latest to enter the chase.
Ivan Fresneda was the subject of significant interest from the likes of Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United in the last six months. His performances for Real Valladolid at the age of 18 meant some of the top clubs would naturally circle around for his signature.
There have been conflicting reports about Valladolid’s asking price, with a figure of €20 million generally mooted about enough to sign the right back. Fresneda’s profile enticed many managers, including Mikel Arteta and Xavi Hernandez, enough for those to consider making an offer.
The Gunners have since opted to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax, while Newcastle United brought Valentino Livramento. Hence, the number of clubs interested in Fresneda have gradually reduced, with Barcelona still a strong contender.
Director Deco has reportedly told Fresneda about the club’s intention to sign him. Yet, their financial struggles are preventing Barcelona from making a concrete offer. The story also claims the Catalans may have made one. bBut that may have been deemed insufficient by Valladolid to do business.
Hence, Barcelona must act swiftly if they want the 18-year-old Spanish defensive sensation, considering Chelsea are now in the hunt. The Blues are reportedly keen to sign Fresneda, possibly as part of their new process of signing young stars.
Fresneda, unlike some of their young summer signings, has the mettle to fit into their first-team plans. Hence, Chelsea might think of him as a player for Mauricio Pochettino’s side than a loan prospect. If they are in the chase, then the manager might have seen something to suggest he could become an essential star for them.
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Chelsea have the financial resources to outmuscle Barcelona, and they can sell a young project to the 18-year-old Spanish star. Hence, the race is between the Blues and the Blaugrana, but one of those sides must swiftly move to sign the defender.
