The January transfer window is fast approaching and the rumour mill is really ramping up with Arsenal said to be in talks with Real Valladolid for the signing of Ivan Fresneda.

GETAFE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 01: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF passes while under pressure from Gaston Alvarez of Getafe CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and Real Valladolid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on October 01, 2022 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
GETAFE, SPAIN – OCTOBER 01: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF passes while under pressure from Gaston Alvarez of Getafe CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Getafe CF and Real Valladolid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on October 01, 2022 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Arsenal have apparently ‘already moved’ for Real Valladolid’s young right-back, Ivan Fresneda and are ‘in discussions’ ahead of the January window opening.

Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a left-sided centreback, a midfielder and a winger, so this would be unexpected.

Do Arsenal have long-term fears over Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness? If they do, a right-back would be a good option, but seems unlikely for January, unless other factors force their hand.

Fresneda is currently valued at around €1m but had a €10m release clause until recently. There is expected to be a ‘frantic race’ for the 18-year-old’s signature in the January window.

The defender signed a new contract with Valladolid in the summer amid interest from others and that’s when they were able to insert his release clause.

However, it’s not the only one.

When Fresneda hit six first team appearances, that release fee rose to €30m.

It goes up to €45m after 22 games.

So far, he has played nine, driving his release clause up to €30m but Arsenal are said to be in discussions about signing him for around €15m.

It’s not yet clear if that is a price his club will be willing to accept.

Speaking recently to Futbol Fantasy, Real Valladolid’s sporting director Fran Sanchez said, “We have to be prepared for what comes. We are clear about our policy as a club, what our president wants.

“In the end, we have to have the best competitive team possible. And that happens through two things. The first, and most important, is that the team performs so that it stays in La Liga.

“And, the second part which is being able to sell players; allowing the club to continue growing in the shortest possible time.

“So, if an interesting offer arrives for one of our players, we are always open to listening to it. But also with the intention of not weakening the team.

“Fresneda has exquisite behaviour,” Sanchez added. “He is a boy with incredible maturity and on the pitch. He is proving himself to be a first division player.

“At the moment, nothing has arrived. Yes, there are many rumours about teams that are following him, and that some of those are true. But, so far, we have not had any formal offer.

“The most important thing is that he continues on this path of humility, work and learning day by day. If we sell him or not, it depends on the offer.”