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Arsenal have been dealt another transfer blow in the January window following Ivan Fresneda’s recent comments.
THE LOWDOWN: HIGHLY-RATED PROSPECT
Fresneda, 18, has emerged as one of the most exciting right-backs in Spain this season following his impressive showings for La Liga side Real Valladolid. The club are struggling as usual, sitting just outside the relegation zone in 17th place. However, the Spain under-19 international has been a shining light in the side.
A host of La Liga clubs as well as Borussia Dortmund are lined up for his signature. Some of them are even prepared to loan him back to Valladolid. But Arsenal have been at the forefront for as long as the reports have gone on, even agreeing a £13 million transfer fee with the club at some point but fleshing out the other details of the move.
THE LATEST: POSSIBLE BLOW
Now, they have to face the prospect of another transfer bust as Fresneda has firmly stated that he is not leaving Valladolid. The 18-year-old told fans during an autograph signing session as quoted by Goal: “No, I’m not leaving, calm down,” suggesting that any deal that was reported is off the table or was never on the table.
He was left out of their most recent matchday squad as the club were in talks with a suitor, fueling the notion that he was set for a January exit. However, he has now calmed the minds of the supporters with only a day to go in the January transfer window and has affirmed his commitment to helping them remain in La Liga ahead of next season.
Arsenal have already lost the battle for Juventus’ Weston McKennie who signed for Leeds United on loan, and Atlético de Madrid’s João Felix who joined Chelsea on loan. They could also miss out on Brighton and Hove Albion man Moises Caicedo, who the Seagulls are unwilling to let go of this winter.
Fresneda will present the latest blow in their transfer business this summer, which is sure to keep the fans on edge.
THE VERDICT: NOT REALLY A PRIORITY
It is unknown what Arsenal planned to do with Fresneda if they signed him. Many are speculating a William Saliba-type situation, where he is sent on a number of loan spells until they can trust him enough to wear the Arsenal shirt in Premier League games.
However, he will be an addition to an already stacked right-back position at the Emirates. Converted centre-back Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares all occupy the position. However, Soares could leave this January meaning that there will be one spot left to fill.
There is also the fact that he will come in as the only other natural right-back for the Gunners should Soares leave the club as planned.
However, any of these outcomes is looking unlikely following his comments to the fans and the fact that the January transfer window deadline day is already here.
