Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £13.1m deal with Real Valladolid to sign right-back Ivan Fresneda, who is set to choose between the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund today.
The Lowdown: Arsenal's pursuit of Fresneda
It was recently reported by Fabrizio Romano that Arsenal had started talks with Fresneda's agent about a move to the Emirates Stadium, and they now appear to have taken that interest one step further by lodging an official bid for the 18-year-old.
In doing so, Mikel Arteta's side have moved ahead of a whole host of other Premier League clubs in the race for the youngster's signature, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle all previously being named as potential suitors.
The Latest: Deal agreed...
According to The Athletic reporter Guillermo Rai on Monday morning, Arsenal have struck a £13.1m agreement of terms with Valladolid for the Spaniard. However, Dortmund have also tabled the same offer, and the 18-year-old is set to decide between the two clubs at some point today.
Regardless of whichever club he chooses, he is set to be loaned back to Valladolid for the rest of the season in order to continue his development.
The Verdict: Fantastic news
Given that Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City, a move to the Emirates must be an attractive proposition for the right-back, who has already shown that he is a fantastic prospect.
Matt Clark of the La Liga Lowdown has hailed the teenager as 'remarkably complete' with a 'coveted combination of physicality and technical ability', adding that he is 'strong in the tackle'. That attribute is indicated by an average of 3.39 tackles per 90 in the past year, placing in the 98th percentile compared to other right-backs in Europe's top five leagues.
With Ben White making the right-back spot his own this season, featuring 23 times in that area of the pitch, Arteta does not badly need a new option at present. That is why it would be a smart move to allow Fresneda to continue his development with Valladolid, where he has been able to make consistent first-team appearances.