Arsenal leads the race for Real Valladolid right-back Iván Fresneda, as Juventus target Spezia’s Emil Holm instead.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid in action during the LaLiga Santander match between CA Osasuna and Real Valladolid CF at El Sadar Stadium on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
PAMPLONA, SPAIN: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid in action during the LaLiga Santander match between CA Osasuna and Real Valladolid CF at El Sadar Stadium on October 30, 2022. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Arsenal appear to have the edge in the race to sign highly sought-after Real Valladolid right-back Iván Fresneda.

The young talent drew significant attention during the January transfer window, but ultimately remained with his La Liga team.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Fresneda’s potential departure from Valladolid is once again in the spotlight.

Juventus shifts focus to Emil Holm

Italian giants Juventus had been considered strong contenders for Fresneda’s signature.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Serie A club is now focusing on a more affordable alternative, Emil Holm of Spezia.

Holm’s lower cost compared to Fresneda is said to be a crucial factor in Juventus’ decision.

Arsenal’s financial advantage in Fresneda pursuit

This development provides Arsenal with a clear financial advantage in securing the Spanish defender.

Furthermore, Fresneda’s agent has expressed the player’s desire for an “historic sale” as he departs Valladolid.

The player has a release clause of £26.5 million, and Real Valladolid are hopeful of sparking a bidding war to secure a sizable fee for their star teen.

The 18-year-old has been a revelation in La Liga, exhibiting skills and attributes that make him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s right-back position. Arsenal have been looking for a right back since well before Takehiro Tomiyasu’s latest injury ruled him out for the season.

Despite a brief period out of the starting lineup in February when he was benched after a deal to Arsenal was said to be agreed, Fresneda has returned to feature in their last three consecutive league games, completing each match.

Clubs vying for young talent’s signature

Despite Juventus turning their attentions elsewhere, Arsenal do not have a clear run at the player and are just one of several clubs vying for Fresneda’s services.

Both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund showed interest in Fresneda during the January transfer window, with both clubs willing to sign him and allow him to remain on loan at Valladolid until the summer.

However, a move failed to materialise, and Fresneda opted to stay in Spain for the time being.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Arsenal continue to scout Fresneda, and the player remains high on their shortlist of potential right-back signings.

A summer transfer would still enable Fresneda to qualify as a homegrown player in the Premier League.

With Juventus now shifting their focus to other targets, Arsenal’s chances of securing the talented right-back have increased significantly, setting the stage for an exciting transfer saga in the coming months.