Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing highly-rated Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda in the summer. According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the Gunners view Fresneda as a “potential star in the making” and are keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. The 18-year-old has a release clause worth close to £27million written into his contract and is being monitored by Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Newcastle United. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano previously told GiveMeSport that Arsenal held discussions with the teenager’s agents in January and O’Rourke believes the club will return to the negotiating table if it becomes clear that Valladolid are open to sanctioning his departure.
Sofascore data shows that Fresneda has created two big chances since the La Liga campaign got underway, while FBref statistics show he has averaged more tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 minutes than Ben White this season. WhoScored also rate him highly, with only two Valladolid teammates having been handed a better average match rating in La Liga this term. All of this suggests that Fresneda could be a good signing for Arsenal and could offer the Gunners more defensive solidity than White.
Arsenal have been keenly linked with a move for Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda, with reports suggesting the club are eager to secure his signature this summer.
The teenager has been in excellent form for the Spanish side and is considered a ‘potential star in the making’ according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. Fresneda has a release clause in his contract worth around £27million, and may prove to be a shrewd investment for Arsenal if they can secure his signature.
Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are amongst the clubs also interested in signing Fresneda, and both clubs have been monitoring his progress keenly. In January, Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that Arsenal held talks with the player’s representatives, and O’Rourke believes that if it appears that Real Valladolid are willing to let Fresneda leave, the Gunners will return to the negotiating table.
The stats seem to back up O’Rourke’s claims, as Sofascore data shows that the defender has created two ’big chances’ in La Liga this season, while FBref shows he has averaged more tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90 minutes than Ben White. WhoScored rate the defender highly, with only two Valladolid teammates being rated higher.
All things considered, Fresneda could be a good signing for Arsenal and could offer the defence some extra stability that White currently lacks. The Gunners may have to fight off a lot of competition in order to secure his signature, but he could prove to be an excellent addition to the squad if they manage to land him this summer.
