JUST IN: Arsenal leading race for ‘one of the biggest prospects’ in Europe, plotting bid £7.5m below release clause
Arsenal are one of several clubs said to be in pursuit of Real Valladolid prodigy Ivan Fresneda.
Now, the Gunners are reportedly plotting a relatively big bid to try and bring him to the Emirates ahead of other suitors.
Tuttojuve has claimed that Arsenal are ‘ahead of everyone’ in the race for the 18-year-old full-back.
This is because the Gunners ‘want to step on the accelerator as soon as possible to close the deal’ for Fresneda.
As well as Arsenal, the likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also in pursuit of the Spaniard.
However, the Gunners ‘could offer €20million’ (£17.5million) to blow Juve and Dortmund out of the water, said the report.
The next Bellerin?
Fresneda is a top talent who looks like he has a bright future in the game.
Spanish outlet AS previously deemed him ‘one of the biggest prospects in European football’.
Despite his young age, Fresneda has already broken into the Valladolid first-team.
And with Arsenal potentially finding themselves down a right-back, it makes sense for them to be pursuing him.
Arsenal struck gold a decade ago when they signed Hector Bellerin from Barcelona’s academy.
Could they repeat the feat with another talented Spanish right-back from La Liga?
Recent reports have been suggesting that Fresneda’s release clause stands at around £25million.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, claimed Valladolid would accept £10million for their player.
Arsenal’s reported planned offer is halfway between those two figures.
This suggests they’re keen enough to offer more than other clubs at this moment in time.
Nonetheless, they will still try to land a relative bargain below his release clause.
However, other reports have suggested that Newcastle United are also in the race for Fresneda.
The Magpies are enjoying a superb season and could potentially offer Champions League football come the summer.
And of course, their recent takeover means they have serious financial muscle.
Arsenal will have some tough competition for Fresneda’s services.
That said, now they’re back to being Premier League title contenders, it should be easier to convince players to join.
