Chelsea are best placed to sign Ivan Fresneda due to the defender’s price tag and Barcelona’s inability to close the deal swiftly.
Despite some doubts from elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness insists Chelsea are best placed to sign Ivan Fresneda in this window. Barcelona are also keeping close tabs, but they have not closed the deal swiftly, thus opening the door for the Blues to enter the chase.
Ivan Fresneda could become an important name in the transfer window in the latter stages. Many clubs have kept tabs on the 18-year-old since January, including Arsenal and Newcastle United. Barcelona might have been considered the front-runner, but things have changed for the Catalans in the last few days.
Their pursuit of Joao Cancelo has shifted their attention away from Fresneda. Barcelona have already seen a bid rejected early on. Their last offer was worth a reported €13 million, including add-ons. Real Valladolid are demanding slightly more despite the defender’s €20 million release clause.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are closing in on a loan deal with Manchester City, and a formal offer seems imminent. Cancelo brings the experience needed by Xavi Hernandez and hence became their top target over Fresneda.
Meanwhile, Chelsea were reportedly ready to bid for Fresneda after links to the 18-year-old Barcelona target. The Blues thought they had lost Reece James to another severe injury, which resulted in the media making claims about the Fresneda connection.
Again, Romano insists Chelsea are not in the race, but other outlets continue to believe they are very keen on the player. Arsenal are also keeping tabs since the injury to Jurrien Timber, although they are also looking at the possibility of Cancelo.
Hence, the Cancelo saga has much to do with the Fresneda movement, which could determine where the 18-year-old would go. He is sure of leaving Valladolid this summer, and Barcelona are still considered firm favourites.
Yet, Chelsea might seem best placed to sign the defender, who could leave for €10 million plus bonuses. Barcelona must act fast before other clubs swoop in and possibly increase his asking price, which at this stage looks stable. Chelsea have Malo Gusto as a backup to James, but if they end up selling someone like Trevoh Chalobah, then Fresneda could become a solid option.
