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According to reports, Arsenal are «ready» to «match» Real Valladolid’s asking price for Ivan Fresneda to sign him amidst competition from Newcastle.
The 18-year-old has been one of the stars of La Liga this season. He has made 19 league appearances this season.
The Spain Under-19 international has already caught the attention of clubs across Europe and could be heading towards the Premier League. Speaking in March, he admitted the reports linking him to a move to Arsenal make him «proud».
«I’m proud, but I always say it: I’m also at a big club, Valladolid,» Fresneda told AS.
“I have always valued studies in view of the future, beyond football. I am a person who likes to learn languages”.
When asked about the best right-backs he admires, Fresneda picked two England internationals.
He added: “It’s a trendy position that is valued much more today than before and there are some real great players. achraf [Hakimi]Reece James and Alexander-Arnold are three of my favorites.
Fresneda was linked with the Gunners during the January transfer window and – second Football Attaché – ‘Arsenal they are ready to present an offer for him this summer.’
The London team are set to «rekindle their interest in Fresneda and submit an offer to match Valladolid’s £20m asking price.»
Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund are also ‘interested’ in Fresneda and the Bundesliga side are claimed to be ‘leading the race to sign him’.
Arsenal are «ready to enter a bidding war» as Mikel Arteta is a «great admirer of the Spaniard’s versatility».
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A separate report from German journalist Christian Falk said Arsenal are «pushing» for Fresneda and «could spend a lot more money» than Dortmund to sign him.
«Real Valladolid’s brilliant 18-year-old Ivan Fresneda, who has a market value of €10m, has become an option for Dortmund,» wrote Falk for Caught Offside.
The right-back has a contract with Spain until 2025 so he would cost around €20m, however Arsenal are also pushing for his signature and could spend significantly more.
If Dortmund want to take the player to the Bundesliga, they will have to sell Thomas Meunier to get enough money for him.
The 31-year-old Belgian has a contract until 2024, but is only third-choice full-back and is also very prone to injury. No wonder sporting director Sebastian Kehl wants to save on his annual salary of 7 million euros, even asking for a small fee for his services.’
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