Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda has broken his silence on the January transfer talk that linked him with a move to the Gunners from Real Valladolid. The exciting Spanish full-back was of interest to several European clubs alongside Arsenal including Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Towards the end of the winter window, football.london reported that Arsenal were tracking a potential move for the 18-year-old. However, there were a number of reasons that prevented a deal from being agreed.
Valladolid set their asking price at €15million (£13.25million) for Fresneda to leave in January, but the Spanish club wanted him back on loan for the rest of the season, a condition Arsenal were not interested in accepting.
READ MORE: Arsenal can send clear transfer message to Declan Rice with Bukayo Saka contract extension
Strong interest from Dortmund, who were said to be happy with the loan agreement, then threw any transfer into doubt. In the end Fresneda made the decision to stay telling supporters while signing some shirts, "no, I’m not leaving, calm down." as per The Metro
A summer move is certainly a possibility though and following the extensive links, Fresneda gave his verdict on the rumours. “I’m proud, but I always say it: I’m also at a big club, Valladolid," Fresneda told AS, via SportWitness.
Perhaps with a move away from Spain in mind, Fresneda has been learning English and German. When asked whether that’s related to a future move to the Premier League or Bundesliga, Fresneda explained: “I have always valued studies with a view to the future, beyond football. I am a person who likes to learn languages.”
Fresneda, who made his La Liga debut last September, has featured 13 times in the league this season and has already shown the tactical nous Arteta will love.
Oleksandr Zinchenko can play an inverted full-back role to great affect and it is something that Fresneda has shown he can also do. Signing Fresneda would not only give the Gunners depth in defence, but it could also allow Ben White to fulfill his likely long-term objective at Emirates Stadium of playing in the centre of defence.
READ NEXT:
Stunning new Arsenal kit design emerges for 2023/24 home shirt with Premier League prediction
William Saliba, Thomas Partey: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Leeds United
Arsenal face Thomas Partey injury concern after absence in Ghana clash vs Angola
How Mikel Arteta's midfield options could look next season after dream Arsenal transfer window
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
