Arsenal chief Edu is reportedly waiting on Ivan Fresneda to make his decision on whether join the club from Real Valladolid - with the full-back set to choose on Monday.
Fresneda has been heavily linked with Arsenal after a series of impressive performances for Spanish La Liga outfit Valladolid this season. The 18-year-old, who was released by Real Madrid at the age of 14, has made 10 league appearances so far this season.
football.london reported earlier this week that talks were advanced for the player and the Gunners have now moved to agree a fee with Valladolid, around €15million (£13.1m) for his services with the understanding that he will be loaned back to his current side for the rest of the season.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah's form, title hopes and Jakub Kiwior transfer
According to The Athletic, Borussia Dortmund have also agreed terms with Valladolid and would be willing to loan back Fresneda for the rest of the season. But will he end up at Arsenal or the Bundesliga?
Where does Fresneda fit in at Arsenal?
Fresneda's development cannot be understated - he only made his debut for Spain Under-18s last year, and was immediately fast-tracked into the Under-19s as a result. He also made his professional debut at the age of 17, meaning he's had experience at the top level for well over a year now.
Arsenal have been alternating between Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back this season, although Mikel Arteta may fancy a more attack-minded right-back if he is to progress the club further down the line, with White and Tomiyasu primarily centre-backs naturally.
Degree of trust
Given that Arteta's first transfer window only saw him trusted with Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari, it says a lot that even in January, the Gunners board are allowing him to sign young talents such as Fresneda, Jakub Kiwior and the already proven signing of Leandro Trossard.
Arteta has deserved the trust put in him by the Kroenke family, and that is showing this window. If he can edge his fellow countryman in easily once Cedric leaves and White transitions into a centre-back option, £15million could seem a steal at this level.
As The Athletic state: "A full-back who relies a lot on his technical qualities, Fresneda stands out for his good ball control and his aptitude in attack, while rarely showing weakness in his defensive tasks". It appears to be an astute signing.
Beating others to the deal
If Fresneda does choose the Gunners, they will have ousted other big names in the European game. Dortmund, as we all know, is a great place for youngsters to make the grade. In recent years alone they have nurtured talent such as Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele before selling them on for big profits, and Jude Bellingham is expected to be the next name on that list.
Furthermore, Newcastle and Manchester United had also been credited with an interest. With the Magpies' newfound financial power, they represent a big name in the transfer market, and United have always been an attractive option for players.
For Arsenal to have won the race if Fresneda joins is another huge win for the Gunners - in years gone by, they may not have had the pulling power that they do now as Premier League leaders.
READ NEXT:
What Bukayo Saka did to Luke Shaw after England comments as Arsenal transfers give title boost
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Eddie Nketiah's form, title hopes and Jakub Kiwior transfer
Why Oleksandr Zinchenko was not offside for Arsenal winner despite Man Utd complaints over VAR
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
