Arsenal are said to be leading the race to sign Real Valladolid’s defensive wonderkid Ivan Fresneda and are looking to beat off competition from Dortmund and Newcastle.
In a move that could see the Gunners solidify their defense, Arsenal has reportedly entered into talks with Real Valladolid CF over the potential signing of 18-year-old defender Ivan Fresneda. According to Football Insider , the North London club is said to be in “pole position” to secure the signature of the Spanish talent, with a £13m deal on the table.
Fresneda, who came through the Real Madrid academy system before making his LaLiga debut for Valladolid this campaign, has caught the eye with his performances. In 12 appearances across the league and Copa del Rey, he has averaged an impressive 3.39 tackles, 3.16 clearances, and 1.52 interceptions per 90 minutes, putting him among the elite in his position across Europe.
The Gunners are said to have beaten off competition from both Newcastle and Dortmund for the signature of the Spain U19 international. If the deal goes through, it would be the third signing of the month for Emirates chief Edu Gaspar, who has already secured the services of Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Hove Albion for £27m and Jakub Kiwior from Serie A outfit Spezia for £21m.
Edu Gaspar has a track record of making astute signings in the transfer market, and the acquisition of Fresneda could prove to be another smart move for the Gunners. With the January transfer window closing soon, it remains to be seen whether a deal for the teenage sensation can be wrapped up in time.