Arsenal have 'joined the race' to sign Newcastle United transfer target Ivan Fresneda, according to an update from reliable journalist Sam Dean.

The Lowdown: Fresneda a wanted man

The 18-year-old is a highly-rated prospect at Real Valladolid currently, already making nine La Liga appearances this season, seven of which have been starts.

Fresneda has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent times, with Newcastle arguably standing out as the front-runners to snap him up.

Now, it looks as though Arsenal could be set to rival the Magpies, as the youngster has recently cemented his status as a key man for Valladolid with four straight top flight starts.

The Latest: Arsenal enter the race

Taking to Twitter, Dean claimed that the Gunners are now a genuine potential suitor for Fresneda:

"Arsenal have joined the race for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda and have serious interest in the teenager. Lots of other clubs are in for Fresneda, including Newcastle. #AFC monitoring situation closely."

The Verdict: Great for squad depth

Mikel Arteta has built a hugely exciting young squad that tops the Premier League by eight points and it is vital that he keeps adding quality all the time.

In Fresneda, Arsenal would be signing a player with massive potential who could come in as backup to Ben White, battling with Takehiro Tomiyasu to be second choice.

Over time, Fresneda could mature into a key man for the Gunners - La Liga Lowdown's Matt Clark has described him as a 'remarkably complete' player - with White potentially returning to centre-back at some point.