Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has green-lit a swoop for Ivan Fresneda as the Gunners attempt to seal the services of the “powerful” defender.
The North London side have already been extremely busy in the January transfer window having sealed the combined £48m signings of Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior from Brighton and Spezia respectively. It does not look like they are quite finished there, having been linked with a swoop for Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.
They face competition for the 18-year-old with German giants Borussia Dortmund also noted as admirers. The Bundesliga side’s interest could cause problems with Fresneda eyeing first-team football - something that might be tricky at the Emirates Stadium considering the competition in North London.
One man who is behind a move for the youngster is Petit after taking a closer look at him. Speaking to Sporting Post, the Frenchman said: “He’s [Fresneda] powerful and has good technique. He gets forward well and has great energy.”
Petit also praised the Gunners’ transfer strategy under Arteta. He added: “I think Arteta and his team understand they have a jewel in their hands with this young team and they represent the future of the Premier League. They have improved so much.
“What is the meaning of being a manager? To improve the individual and collective quality of the team and this is exactly what Arteta has done.
How would you rate Arsenal's January transfer business? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I remember all the criticism that Arteta received at the beginning, but look at where they are now. I’m so happy with the strategy of the club, and of Arteta and the board. It’s so different now with the money some clubs are able to spend.
“If you look at Arsenal they are taking the right decisions. I don’t see anyone doing any better than them!”
Fresneda, 18, has made 12 appearances for Valladolid this season with his current employers having struggled. They currently sit in the relegation zone in the Spanish having won just five out of their opening 18 league games of the campaign.
Fresneda has two-and-a-half years left on his contract in Spain with reports suggesting that both Arsenal and Dortmund have lodged £13m bids for his services. Whilst it remains to be seen if the Gunners could seal his services, it has been reported that they could also rival Chelsea for the signing of Moises Caicedo.
Arsenal have already faced off with the Blues for a target this January in the form of Mykahylo Mudryk only to see the Ukrainian winger move to Stamford Bridge instead.
