According to recent reports, Arsenal are still interested in bringing in a right-back and have identified Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda as a potential target
Arsenal have reportedly maintained their interest in signing a right-back and have set their sights on Real Valladolid’s rising star Ivan Fresneda, whom they were heavily linked with during the January transfer window.
Fresneda has been making waves in Spanish football, despite his young age of 18, having already started in eight La Liga matches this season. As a result, he has attracted the attention of several English clubs, including Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund.
While Newcastle had taken notice of Fresneda when seeking a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier, they eventually opted to sign Harrison Ashby from West Ham for a reported £3 million.
Meanwhile, as per The Athletic, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund had agreed on terms for a £13.1 million move for Fresneda in the January window, with the player expected to return to Valladolid on loan for six months.
Despite the deal falling through, Arsenal are reportedly still keen on bringing the youngster to the Emirates, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Gunners are “regularly” scouting Fresneda.
Currently, Mikel Arteta’s options in the right-back position are Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both natural centre-backs who do not offer much going forward when played in the full-back role. As such, the Gunners are said to be “exploring right-back options,” with Fresneda being among their list of potential targets.
However, Romano has dismissed the speculation linking Arsenal to Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries. It remains to be seen if the Gunners will follow up on their interest in Fresneda in the upcoming summer transfer window.