Ivan Fresneda: The €16m teenager linked with Arsenal and Newcastle

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 16 Jan 2023 10:00 GMT
• 4 min read

Ivan Fresneda has emerged as one of the most exciting young right-backs to come out of Europe this season - and at 18 years old there’s plenty of room for growth.

The Spaniard has attracted interest from Newcastle and Arsenal for his displays for Real Valladolid, where he’s become a first-team regular.

Of course, his age and high ceiling are factors in the admiration, but here we take a look at what precisely Arsenal and Newcastle would be getting should they bring him in for the here and now.

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Fresneda is a traditional right-back of sorts, making 3.54 tackles and 1.59 interceptions per 90. He blocks 3.17 per match as well but we must take into consideration the Pucelanos' lowly La Liga position of 17th this season, meaning that their players will be making high defensive actions on average.

Fresneda has great physicality for his age and already is able to power opponents off the ball and win duels.

The defender, who spent some time in the youth academies of Real Madrid and Leganes before joining Valladolid in 2020, is right-footed but is capable of using his left if needed. This certainly helps when he is being pressed - his quick feet and stellar close control, along with his ability to utilise both sides, mean he is rarely caught out when pinned back.

He has a high defensive work rate but looks assured when pushing up the pitch to midfield and offering support to the winger, who’s usually Roque Mesa. He is capable of passing - though not to an unworldly level - and taking on his man if needed.

Fresneda has enjoyed a breakout season this campaign, making 737 first-team minutes for the struggling side.

He stands at a moderate height - a touch over 6 foot - but is yet to succeed in winning many aerial duals, making just 0.3 per match.

Fresneda could leave this month

The Telegraph report that Real Valladolid are prepared to let the youngster leave this month and an offer of between €11m and €16m would be enough to lure him away, depending on how many proposals the Spanish club receive.

It is thought that Arsenal, who have serious interest, may wait until the summer before they make their move.

The Premier League table toppers will be looking to bolster that side as they prepare for the departure of Cedric Soares, who has been targeted by Fulham.

Newcastle are in the hunt for a right-back to come in and develop and eventually take over the slot currently occupied by Kieran Trippier. Interest in the player is there.

The Magpies are weary of FFP constraints but Fresneda represents a relatively cheap option, all things considered.

FootballTransfers ranks Fresneda as 14th in Best Future Spanish Players while his contract is up at Valladolid in 2025.