Arsenal could now complete the acquisition of a £25million star after moving into the ‘box seat’ for his signature ahead of the deadline, it has been claimed.
Arsenal are ‘in the box seat’ to sign Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda and the Gunners are moving towards ‘wrapping up a deal’ at the Emirates Stadium, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has told GiveMeSport.
Mikel Arteta completed the £27million acquisition of Brighton & Hove Albion talisman Leandro Trossard last week, but he has set his sights on doing more business ahead of the January transfer window slamming shut.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Arsenal transfer news – Ivan Fresneda
According to The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed a £13.1million deal which would see Fresneda remain with Valladolid until the end of the season before heading to north London.
But the Gunners will still have to convince the right-back that he should make the switch to the Emirates Stadium as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have also had a similar bid accepted and a decision will be made on his destination on Monday.
Newcastle United are another club to have been in the hunt for the services of Fresneda, who has a release clause which is worth substantially more than the agreed fee written into his contract.
Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the 18-year-old as Real Madrid will not take advantage of an option which would see their former youth product return to the Bernabeu.
Respected journalist Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that Cedric Soares could be offloaded if Fresneda is tempted to Arsenal.
What has Ryan Taylor said about Fresneda?
Taylor has tipped Arsenal to acquire Fresneda’s services after they have emerged as one of the frontrunners ahead of the fast-approaching deadline.
The reporter understands further discussions will take place with the Spaniard’s representatives in the coming days.
Taylor told GiveMeSport: “To be honest, I envisage Arsenal wrapping up a deal for Fresneda.
“I think it’s become clear in the past few days that they aren’t just one of the clubs linked – they’re actually one of the teams in the box seat.
“There are going to be more talks this week in London, with his representatives, and I think it is moving closer to a situation where they will probably agree a fee with Real Valladolid.
“I don’t expect them to pay the full release clause. I think there’s been mixed reports on his release clause, but I believe it’s £25million. At the same time, I think Valladolid would be open to offers closer to the £10million figure.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Fresneda be a good signing for Arsenal?
Fresneda has only made 14 senior club appearances, according to Transfermarkt, so it is abundantly clear that he is still in the early stages of his career.
But the teenager has already made a lasting impression as he was recently described as ‘brutal’ by Valladolid boss Pacheta.
There is no doubt that Fresneda would make Arsenal difficult to break down as Sofascore statistics show he has averaged 2.9 tackles, 2.5 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per La Liga outing this season.
The Spain under-19 international has already been handed seven starts since the campaign got underway, which emphasises that he has already gained the trust of Pacheta.
Only three Villarreal teammates have been handed a better average match rating than Fresneda’s 6.69 by WhoScored, so he clearly has a bright future ahead of him and Arsenal would be wise to get a deal over the line.
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