The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout season during the 2022/23 campaign for former La Liga outfit Real Valladolid.
The right-back played 24 times across all competitions for the Spanish side, who finished 18th to suffer relegation from the top division last season.
Fresneda has quickly caught the attention of clubs around Europe and he was heavily linked with Arsenal during the January transfer window.
More recently, the defender has been targeted by Spanish giants Barcelona. ESPN are reporting that he ‘gave the green light to join Barca several weeks ago but opinion within the La Liga club has been divided on whether they should sign him or not’. The report adds.
‘Coach Xavi Hernández would prefer a more experienced alternative such as Manchester City’s João Cancelo, while newly appointed sporting director Deco favours Fresneda as a longer-term option.
‘Barca’s first-choice in the position was Juan Foyth, but his signing is increasingly unlikely due to his club Villarreal’s financial demands. Ronald Araújo started at right-back in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw at Getafe on the opening weekend of the La Liga season, but the Uruguayan will now be absent through injury for a month.
‘Sources told ESPN that Barca attempting to sign both Cancelo and Fresneda could not be ruled out, if the club’s finances allow, but a decision must be made quickly.’
The report also states that ‘other clubs are keeping tabs on Fresneda’s situation’, with ‘Chelsea entering the race to sign him’.
There is a €20m release clause in the player’s contract that became active following Real Valladolid’s relegation but their ‘expected transfer fee’ is actually ‘between €8 and 10 million’. The report also states.
‘Arsenal enquired about the Spain under-19 international during the January transfer window, and sources told ESPN that West Ham have also considered a bid this summer.
‘Three Portuguese clubs — Sporting CP, FC Porto and Benfica — have also shown an interest in Fresneda in recent weeks.
‘Valladolid were relegated from LaLiga last season and the player is determined to secure a move this summer. His preferred destination would be Barcelona, but he is aware that time is running out and will opt to move elsewhere if Barca fail to act.’
Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow of their own as it has been confirmed that Reece James will be out of action for a few weeks.Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Arsenal could potentially pursue a move for Benjamin Pavard in the near future, following the unfortunate injury setback to Jurrien Timber.
Despite Arsenal’s commendable acquisitions in the transfer market, Timber sustained a significant injury during his inaugural competitive appearance for the club. This injury is projected to keep him sidelined for an extended period.
As a result, Arsenal finds itself faced with a decision regarding whether to secure a replacement defender within the limited time remaining in the transfer window.
Pavard, who is also being closely monitored by Manchester United, has conveyed his desire to depart from Bayern Munich, thereby necessitating a resolution for his future.
This development presents Arsenal with an opportunity to consider a move for Pavard, especially given the defensive gap left by Timber’s injury. Romano has alluded to this potential development on his Twitter account, advising fans to remain vigilant for further updates regarding Arsenal’s interest in Pavard over the coming days.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Pavard is one of the finest full-backs available on the market at the moment and would be a good signing for us if we add him to our group.
The defender has done well for his club and country over the years and has a lot of experience in winning trophies at Bayern and at the international level.
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