Arsenal are hoping to sign highly-rated Real Vallodolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, with the player open to the potential move.
However, David Ornstein has reported that Borussia Dortmund are also in the race for the 18-year-old’s signature, stating that: “Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have both agreed terms for the player, a fee of €15million ($16.2m; £13.1m), with Fresneda to be loaned back to the Spanish side for the rest of this season.”
Ornstein also revealed that the player will make his decision imminently, with both clubs desperate to acquire his services.
Ivan Fresneda Will Choose Between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund
🚨 @GuillerRai reports Ivan Fresneda set to make decision today on who to join from Real Valladolid, having agreed terms with Arsenal + Borussia Dortmund. Expected 18yo right-back will cost €15m & return on loan for rest of season @TheAthleticFC #AFC #BVB https://t.co/aSnuYBWwx6
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 23, 2023
Why is Fresneda In-Demand?
In the modern era, the full-back has become an extremely important position on the football pitch. Gone are the days in which they simply served to support their winger, they now have a much larger responsibility to influence the outcome of a game. The Fresneda is a product of the new mould for wide defenders.
The defender has great ball control and a natural ability to create chances in the final third, making him a dangerous asset for any side. However, and more importantly, the Spaniard is also an excellent one-on-one defender, which rounds out his game and at just eighteen years of age.
You only have to look as far back as December 30 to see resounding proof of his abilities. Real Valladolid lost 2-0 at home to Real Madrid that day, but the performance of Fresneda was very impressive. Playing against one of the best wingers in world football, Vinicius Junior, the Spaniard was dribbled past just once, winning ten out of 15 (66.7%) total ground duels, whilst also registering a key pass.
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This led to the right back’s manager, Jose Rojo Martin, hailing the young sensation as “fantastic”, and some of the biggest clubs across Europe appear to agree.
A Future Position Change for Takehiro Tomiyasu?
If completed, this signing may indicate a potential future position change for Tomiyasu. The Japanese international was originally signed by the Gunners as a right-back but has since lost his place to the excellent Benjamin White.
However, the 24-year-old can also play as a centre-back, and the arrival of Fresneda could see Tomiyasu eventually transition into that position on a more permanent basis as the Emirates, although he would still be behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the pecking order.
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Regardless of Arteta’s intentions, Fresneda has enormous potential and would be a great signing for this Arsenal side.
