As Mikel Arteta and Edu work to bolster the Emirates with additional star talent this summer, Arsenal is continuing to pursue Ivan Fresneda.
The gap could be closed before the 2023–24 season, despite the Gunners’ agonisingly close loss to Manchester City the previous season.
long-term goal The north Londoners have been interested in Fresneda ever since Fabrizio Romano announced the teenager would remain in La Liga despite interest from Arsenal during the January transfer window.
It now appears that Arteta will continue to make efforts to sign the young player, who could bring a new wave of talent to the Emirates.
Could Ivan Fresneda join Arsenal?
Last week, Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo claimed that Arsenal were moving “faster” to sign Fresneda than clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan.
The players’ release clause was said to have been “reactivated” after Real Valladolid’s relegation, dropping to just €20 million (£17 million), according to the report, giving the Gunners the financial upper hand.
Ivan Fresneda’s skill level.
Described as a “serious talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
The young player made 22 appearances for his team in La Liga during his first season there and caught the attention of the league with his inverted right-back stance.
As evidenced by his reliance on full-backs Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko when advancing on the flanks, Arteta is giving his team exactly what they need from the teenager’s intricate style.
In reference to the Ukrainian, journalist Sam Dean stated last month that Arsenal would look for another player of the “Zinchenko-type” during the current transfer window.
While it appears that the Timber deal will soon be finalised, the Gunners’ decision to sign Fresneda could be a wise one in their effort to rid their team of inactive players and transform it into a perennial title contender.
The Londoners may be able to oust underwhelming rotation players, particularly fellow right-back Cedric Soares, thanks to the “dynamic” talent of the Madrid-born sensation, according to Mango.
The Portuguese defender moved to Fulham on loan in January in an effort to regain his form, but the 31-year-old had a disappointing time with the Cottagers, appearing on just six occasions in the Premier League.
As the former Southampton full-back appears to be drifting further and further from Arteta’s plans at the Emirates, it may be time for Arsenal to cash in on him before his contract expires next summer.
A player like Fresneda being introduced in his place would demonstrate the club’s progress by exchanging an ageing underperformer for a promising young player.
It is easy to see how the Gunners could improve by swapping Cedric for the Spaniard when comparing the two players using FBref.
For Valladolid in La Liga last season, the 18-year-old averaged 2.48 tackles, 1.65 blocks, and an impressive 2.48 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his potential moving forward.
The Portuguese defender fell short of the youngster in these areas, averaging 2.30 tackles, 1.09 blocks per 90, and just 1.03 progressive carries per 90 for Arsenal in the 2021/22 season, suggesting his unsuitability for the role Arteta wanted from his full-backs.
By changing up the depth of his squad, the Spaniard could reinvigorate his team and make any potential acquisition of Fresneda a wise move.
