Chelsea Enter Race to Sign Real Valladolid Defender Ivan Fresneda
Chelsea Football Club has reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated young defender Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid. However, they face tough competition from long-time suitors Barcelona and Arsenal. The 18-year-old Spaniard has a release clause in his contract, which means he will only cost around €10 million (£8.5 million) this summer.
Barcelona, who are in search of a new right-back, have shown interest in Fresneda. The club’s newly appointed sporting director, Deco, is a big fan of the young full-back. However, even the bargain fee may not fit within Barcelona’s budget.
Arsenal has also been exploring a deal for Fresneda since the January transfer window. The recent ACL injury sustained by Jurrien Timber has created a fresh need for defensive reinforcements at Arsenal.
Chelsea, too, is in need of defensive options due to a rash of injuries. Reece James is the latest player to be sidelined with a hamstring issue. While manager Mauricio Pochettino does not believe it is a big issue and has Malo Gusto as a backup, Chelsea may still look to add another versatile defender to their ranks.
According to ESPN, Chelsea has begun to show increased interest in Fresneda as a potential solution. The young right-back fits the profile of the young, emerging talent that Chelsea has been targeting recently.
However, Fresneda’s top priority is believed to be a move to Barcelona. He is waiting for the Spanish champions to solidify their interest with a formal bid. There is some friction behind the scenes at Barcelona regarding whether to pursue Fresneda or not. Deco is keen on recruiting the Spain Under-20 international, but manager Xavi is less convinced. Xavi prefers a right-back with more experience, such as Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
If Barcelona fails to submit a bid for Fresneda, he will explore other options. Chelsea is one of several teams keeping tabs on the situation before deciding whether to make a move. Arsenal also remains interested, and other clubs such as West Ham, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting, Porto, and Benfica have explored potential deals.
Fresneda’s desire to play top-flight football this season is driving his decision to leave Valladolid. The club was relegated from La Liga last season. If Barcelona does not act, Fresneda is prepared to look elsewhere for opportunities.
Contrary to some reports, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea is not currently looking at Fresneda. The club is prioritizing other areas of the pitch and focusing on outgoings.
In conclusion, the race to sign Ivan Fresneda is heating up, with Chelsea joining Barcelona and Arsenal in pursuit of the young defender. Fresneda’s low release clause makes him an attractive target for clubs looking to bolster their defensive options. Whether he ends up at Chelsea, Barcelona, or another club remains to be seen, but his talent and potential have certainly caught the attention of top European teams.