Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Valladolid’s wonderkid Ivan Fresneda could be a potential game-changer for the team.

The Spanish player’s release clause has reportedly been halved following Valladolid’s relegation from LaLiga, making Fresneda available for a mere £17m.

Real Valladolid's Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda (L) vies with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 2, 2023. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Valladolid’s Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda (L) vies with Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 2, 2023. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Arsenal and Dortmund receive a boost in their pursuit of Ivan Fresneda as his release clause is halved to £17m after Valladolid’s relegation.
  • Fresneda’s impressive performances for Valladolid have attracted the interest of top clubs including Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
  • Despite interest from European elite clubs, Fresneda, who can play as a right-back, centre-back, or in midfield, has expressed a desire to join a club competing for prestigious honours.

Fresneda’s reduced release clause excites Arsenal

VALLADOLID, SPAIN - MARCH 17: Nico Williams of Athletic Club and Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF battle for the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on March 17, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
VALLADOLID, SPAIN – MARCH 17: Nico Williams of Athletic Club and Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF battle for the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on March 17, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Following Real Valladolid’s unfortunate relegation from LaLiga, star defender Ivan Fresneda is now available for a reduced fee.

The Spanish youth international had become a regular feature in Valladolid’s line-up, impressing with his performances in both the league and Copa Del Rey.

Interest in Fresneda escalates among top clubs

Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Pablo Torre (L) fights for the ball with Real Valladolid's Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda during the Spanish league football match between Real Valladolid FC and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on May 23, 2023. (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Pablo Torre (L) fights for the ball with Real Valladolid’s Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda during the Spanish league football match between Real Valladolid FC and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorilla stadium in Valladolid on May 23, 2023. (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Fresneda’s impressive form has piqued the interest of top-tier clubs, notably Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

The young player was initially set to command a transfer fee of around £34.5million (€40m), but Valladolid’s fall to the second division slashed the price to a bargain £17.2m (€20m).

A potential game-changer for Arsenal

VALLADOLID, SPAIN: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid competes for the ball with Brian Ocampo of Cadiz CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Cadiz CF at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
VALLADOLID, SPAIN: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid competes for the ball with Brian Ocampo of Cadiz CF during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Cadiz CF at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on September 16, 2022. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s coach, Mikel Arteta, along with Borussia Dortmund, is reported to be closely monitoring Fresneda’s situation.

This comes as no surprise considering Fresneda’s remarkable potential, which was honed in the Real Madrid academy and on display during his time with Valladolid.

Fresneda’s bright career and future aspirations

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)

Despite being a right back by trade, Fresneda’s versatility allows him to also play at centre back or in midfield.

His talent and potential have been recognised by Europe’s elite clubs, making him one of the most sought-after young players in the market.

In spite of the interest from top clubs, the player has kept his feet on the ground.

“I’m very young, I have to go step by step, not go backwards. Being the age I am, you have to keep improving and I’m doing that at Valladolid,” Fresneda stated in an interview with The Athletic.

Fresneda’s desire to win prestigious honours could see him favour a move to a high-profile club like Arsenal.

VALLADOLID, SPAIN - MAY 23: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF inspects the pitch prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on May 23, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
VALLADOLID, SPAIN – MAY 23: Ivan Fresneda of Real Valladolid CF inspects the pitch prior to the LaLiga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on May 23, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Everyone would like to go to the best teams in the world and that is one of my ambitions, of course,” he revealed.

With Arsenal’s rich history and commitment to achieving footballing excellence, they certainly fit the bill.

While the situation is still unfolding, one thing is clear – Fresneda’s significantly reduced price tag could prove to be a significant boost for Arsenal in their pursuit of the talented defender.