Arsenal have joined the race for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda and have serious interest in the teenager, Telegraph Sport understands.
Arsenal face competition from teams across Europe, including Newcastle United, but in recent days they have made clear their admiration for the 18-year-old.
Valladolid have admitted that Fresneda could leave the club this month but it is understood that Arsenal may prefer to wait until the summer to make their move, if they decide to step up their interest.
Fresneda has enjoyed a breakout season in La Liga this year, becoming a regular starter for the Spanish side as they fight to avoid relegation.
It is thought that he could be available for around £10m to £15m, although any final fee will depend on the number of teams who commit to making formal offers.
Arsenal are considering their options at full-back and a potential move for Fresneda could go hand-in-hand with the possible departure of Cedric Soares, who has been targeted by Fulham.
Fresneda fits Arsenal’s current recruitment model of signing young players with potential to develop. He is a Spain youth international who spent four years in Real Madrid’s academy.
Earlier this month, Valladolid coach Pacheta said Fresneda plays with the maturity of a 30-year-old.
“It is a fantastic acquisition,” said Pacheta. “Although I want him to stay here, I understand the club and I am aligned with it in everything it does regarding the players.
“It is good for the player that he can continue playing, but I am sure he will do so wherever he goes.”
The pursuit of Fresneda is not connected to Arsenal’s attempt to sign winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. Arsenal had been in negotiations with the Ukrainian side for weeks but on Saturday were outbid by Chelsea in dramatic circumstances.
Arsenal will now look to pivot to alternative forward targets, having also lost out to Chelsea in the pursuit of Joao Felix earlier this month.
Source uk.news.yahoo.com – Sam Dean
