Arsenal have started talks with the agent of Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing Fresneda

In recent days, it was reported that Mikel Arteta had convinced the 18-year-old about a move to the Emirates Stadium, amid interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Manchester United.

It has now emerged that a deal is not as close as it was initially suggested, with journalist Jacque Talbot claiming that the recent reports are 'unfounded', although there is still said to be interest on the Gunners' behalf.

The Latest: Agent talks underway

Romano took to Twitter on Saturday evening to share the latest on Edu and Arsenal's pursuit of Fresneda, stating: "Understand Arsenal have started talks to explore the signing of Iván Fresneda from Valladolid. Discussions are taking place on clubs and agent side.

"Fresneda, on the bench tonight as he has chances to leave next week. There are 3/4 clubs keen on signing Spanish RB."

The Verdict: Get it done

The 18-year-old was recently hailed as 'remarkably complete' by La Liga Lowdown's Matt Clark, who also added that the Real Valladolid gem is capable of 'balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too'. However, it is Fresneda's defensive efforts which are particularly impressive. As per FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues for tackles per 90 over the past year with 3.54. He is also placed in the 91st percentile for interceptions per game (1.52), showing a keen eye for cutting out opposition attacks. Ben White has done a stellar job in his 22 games at right-back this season, ranking as the second-best defender in the Arsenal squad according to Sofascore. However, he is more naturally suited to playing centre-back, and Fresneda would be a fantastic long-term option to succeed the Englishman on the right for the Gunners, while also being capable of immediately challenging for a starting berth judging by his displays in La Liga.