Barcelona have narrowed in on Real Valladolid youngster Ivan Fresneda as their preferred target to reinforce the right-back position this summer. However, the La Liga champions are set to face some serious competition in pursuit of the 18-year-old.
Earlier this week, ɾєρօɾτs emerged claiming thatReal Madrid had approached Fresneda’s entourageto test the waters about a possible transfer.
Now, as perGabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal have also reactivated their interest in Fresneda and have already established contacts to explore the possibility of a move.
Arsenal are in the market for a new right-back and have identified the same targets asBarça– Joao Cancelo of Manchester City and now Valladolid’s Fresneda.
The Gunners’ interest in the latter had gone quiet of late, but as per the ɾєρօɾτ, they have now rekindled their pursuit of the Spanish U-19 international.
The ɾєρօɾτ claims that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admires Fresneda’s talents, while the youngster fits in well with the club’s economic parameters, making him an attractive prospect.
Barcelona, too, hold a strong interest in Fresneda and have held talks with his agents on multiple occasions already. The 18-year-old’s release clause has dropped down to €20 million after Valladolid’s relegation last season, but the Catalans cannot offer more than €10 million.
So, if Arsenal would be willing to match the release clause, they might have the edge on theBlaugranain the race. However, ɾєρօɾτs have suggested that the 18-year-old is keen on joiningBarcelonaandwilling to wait for the club.
Apart from the aforementioned clubs, even AC Milan are also interested in Fresneda and have had negotiations with his agent Fali Ramadani.
With so much interest in the 18-year-old,Barcelonamust act swiftly in their pursuit, although their financial situation prohibits them from doing so, complicating matters.
