Ivan-Fresneda-in-action-for-Real-Valladolid
Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that reported Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda is staying at Real Valladolid, after a loan bid has been rejected today.
The Lowdown: Arsenal interest
Arsenal’s interest in Fresneda has been well-documented, with reports just a couple of days ago that they were moving ‘behind the scenes’ to try and get a deal done.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth reported that ‘multiple bids’ were expected from a ‘number’ of clubs in the Premier League and Europe for the Spaniard, and Romano claimed that although it was likely that he would stay at Valladolid, he did not rule out ‘twists in the final hours’ of the window.
The Latest: Definitely staying
Taking to Twitter, Romano has now confirmed that Fresneda will definitely stay at Valladolid until the end of the season, after a loan bid from an unnamed club was ‘rejected’ today:
“Ivan Fresneda stays at Real Valladolid until the end of the season. Loan bid received today has been rejected.
“No Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund, he’s staying and will get top club move in the summer.”
The Verdict: Shame
It is a shame for the Gunners to miss out on Fresneda, but at least he will not be joining one of their rivals in terms of interest, and will be available to sign in the summer.
The 18-year-old is very highly-rated indeed, having been lauded by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita for his ‘beastly‘ ability to maraud forward and put in dangerous crosses, while Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown says that he has been a ‘revelation’ in the Spanish top flight, and is a ‘remarkably complete’ right-back.
This is evident by some of the outstanding statistics that he has been producing in the last year, ranking in the top 11% for tackles, clearances and interceptions per 90 minutes among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (FBref).
Nonetheless, with Cedric’s proposed move to Fulham still not being completed, it makes sense for Mikel Arteta’s team to postpone their move for Fresneda, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu also capable of playing at right-back.
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