Barcelona capitalise on Mikel Arteta's transfer U-turn as Arsenal switch target

04 July 2023 , 19:56

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Barcelona capitalise on Mikel Arteta's transfer U-turn as Arsenal switch target

Barcelona are aiming to sign former Arsenal target Ivan Fresneda with the Gunners still seemingly stewing over a deal.

The North London side were strongly linked with a move for the Real Valladolid defender during the January transfer window. German giants Borussia Dortmund were also reportedly in the running for his services.

Neither Arsenal or the Bundesliga side managed to get a deal over the line, with Fresneda staying with Valladolid for the second half of last season. The 18-year-old continued to underline his talents with 24 appearances in all competitions. His efforts did not go rewarded though as the Spanish side were relegated from La Liga.

A number of clubs are aiming to take advantage of that fact. Reports previously had suggested that Arsenal had revived their interest in Fresneda. However, they face competition from Barcelona.

According to ESPN, the Catalan giants are closing in on a deal for the Spanish youth international. It is suggested that the reigning Spanish champions are putting the final touches on a five-year deal for Fresneda, and are hopeful of signing him for less than his €20million (£17.1million) release clause.

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However, a move is dependent on Barcelona making space for him in their wage bill. That could yet see Arsenal swoop, with Fresneda having previously admitted his admiration of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Ivan Fresneda was previously a target of Arsenal (Getty Images)

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He said: "I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach; I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic."

Amid their previous interest in Fresneda, it appears that Arsenal have found an alternative. Reports in Germany have revealed that the Gunners have held talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs.

Whilst discussions have been held between the two parties, the German side are keen to hold on to the right-back. He still has two years left to run on his current deal and is considered as a key member of the side by manager Marco Rose.

Fresneda is the second player that both Arsenal and Barcelona are going head-to-head for this summer. Fenerbahce star Arda Guler has been linked with moves to both the Emirates and the Nou Camp.

It appears that Barcelona are favourites to sign him, although former Gunners’ star Mesut Ozil has urged the youngster to reject all moves this summer to not hamper his development.

Daniel Orme