Arsenal poised to sign outstanding teenage defender ahead of Newcastle and Juventus: report

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Al Nasr Leisure Land Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are reportedly at the front of the race to sign prodigious Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda this summer, who they were linked with a move for in January.

The 18-year-old only made his La Liga debut in September but has really caught the eye this season, featuring 14 times in all competitions.

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are one of at least four clubs keeping tabs on Fresneda, with Newcastle, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also said to be interested.

Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid looks on during the La Liga match between Real Mallorca and Real Valladolid at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on 7 January, 2023 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Fresneda has made eight La Liga starts in 2022/23 (Image credit: Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

The report adds that the Gunners will follow Fresneda's progress for the rest of the campaign, as Valladolid aim to retain their top-flight status after promotion last term.

While the Spain U19 international is valued at just under £1m by Transfermarkt, there was talk of both Arsenal and Dortmund agreeing a £13m fee last month.

However, such an amount wouldn't come remotely close to the various figures being bandied about in relation to Fresneda's release clause – which it's been reported could increase to almost £40m if he makes a handful more appearances for Valladolid.

If that's to be believed, then Fresneda could be in line to become the most expensive teenage defender of all time – a record currently which currently belongs to Luke Shaw, who joined Manchester United from Southampton for roughly £30m in 2014.

Ivan Fresenda of Real Valladolid looks up while in possession during the La Liga match between Getafe and Real Valladolid at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on 1 October, 2022 in Getafe, Spain.

Fresneda debuted for Valladolid at the age of 17 (Image credit: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Fresenda spent part of his development in Real Madrid's youth set-up but ultimately broke through at Valladolid, getting his first taste of senior action in last season's Copa del Rey.

He's started eight out of 22 league games for Pacheta's side this term, including against both Real and Atletico Madrid.

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Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...