Barcelona to rival Arsenal for BARGAIN wonderkid

Tom Weber

• 22 Jun 2023 22:09 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are still in the race to sign Ivan Fresneda, according to Spanish media.

The Blaugrana had been mere onlookers until now as Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have battled for the youngster's signature, but MARCA has revealed that Xavi and company are in with a shout of landing Fresneda.

The youngster is one of Europe's most sought-after commodities - and not just because he is a young right-back talent, a position which is notoriously hard to fill. His release clause of just €20 million makes him particularly attractive despite the fact that the 18-year-old was relegated with Ronaldo Nazario-owned Real Valladolid.

READ: Barca transfer spree 'has only just begun'

He has reportedly had a verbal agreement with Dortmund since January, but a move has stalled in recent times, giving other clubs the opportunity to also register their interest. Barcelona are one of them. Atletico Madrid already had an offer rejected last year and they moved in for him again recently.

Fresneda at the Camp Nou or the Emirates?

According to MARCA, Barcelona chiefs recently met with Fresneda's agency, but nothing concrete has thus far developed. The same goes for Arsenal, who are in desperate need of a right-back.

The Gunners are have been linked with a whole host of players in that position as Mikel Arteta is keen to use Ben White as centre-back cover rather than as a makeshift full-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu, moreover, is too injury-prone for the Spaniard.

READ: Havertz, Rice and Timber: Is Arteta trying to rip off Guardiola?

This means that Fresneda has become a viable option for the Premier League runners-up despite his youth. Fellow English side Bournemouth were also in for the youngster in January, but their advances were rebuffed by the 18-year-old.

Nevertheless, MARCA writes that the Premier League remains attractive given the spending power there. The feeling is that a side from England's top flights would be more willing to meet the player's - and his agent's - demands, which could serve to explain why the seemingly all-but-done move to Dortmund has apparently fallen through.