Ivan Fresneda has reassured Real Valladolid fans he is going nowhere this month after reports of interest from Arsenal.
The Spanish full-back has been a revelation in La Liga this term, making his debut in September and already reaching double-figures for appearances as the newly promoted side look to consolidate in the top flight.
Arsenal have been sniffing around the defender, who has also earned his first Spain under-19 caps this term, while Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked. However, it appears Fresneda will not be on the move in January as he looks to help his team stave off the threat of relegation.
After playing in Valladolid's previous five games, Fresneda was left out of the squad for Sunday's victory over Valencia. As he signed autographs for fans, attention turned to his future plans.
Thankfully for the Valladolid faithful, it appears there's nothing to worry about. "No, I’m not leaving, calm down," he said, as reported by Metro.
Pacheta's team hadn't won since before the World Cup when they welcomed Valencia to Estadio Jose Zorrilla. They left it late this time too, but January signing Cyle Larin came off the bench to score a last-minute winner on his debut for the club.
With less than 48 hours of the transfer window remaining, Arsenal are running out of time to add to their ranks. The Gunners appear to have not given up hope of landing Moises Caicedo, with an injury concern over Thomas Partey after Friday's FA Cup loss at Manchester City, but Brighton have so far refused to sell the Ecuador international midfielder.
Would Fresneda be a good fit for Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section
“Caicedo is a very, very good guy," Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said after leaving the youngster out of his side for the cup victory over Liverpool on Sunday. "I can understand him because when you are 21 and you receive a request of a big big team playing in European competition.
“I would like he can finish the season with us. But we are ready to go without him. I think we need some players in some positions.. I spoke a lot with Tony [Bloom, Brighton's owner]. He knows very well my opinion. We are a good team but we can improve in the transfer window."
Arsenal have already turned to Brighton once during the January window, snapping up Leandro Trossard in a £27m deal after seeing Chelsea beat them to primary target Mykhaylo Mudryk, while Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior has joined from Spezia. Belgian forward Trossard made his debut in the Premier League victory over Manchester United, while Kiwior made it into a matchday squad for the first time on Friday, sitting on the bench as Nathan Ake's goal for City eliminated the Gunners from the FA Cup.
