Arsenal could sign one of Europe's best young defenders for just £17million this month as they look to provide extra stability and reinforcements to their backline. Oleksandr Zinchenko has had his fitness issues this season whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu has had time away with injury too.
Otherwise it has been a largely settled back four for Mikel Arteta's men despite Kieran Tierney's own continued struggles. Having conceded 14 goals in 17, the Gunners boast the second best defensive record in the league with only Newcastle letting in fewer. As well as having a dynamic attack, the defence has been a solid backbone for the team.
Just like Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is a top target in attack this winter Arsenal have also identified a new defensive option too. Ivan Fresneda is one of the most promising players coming through in Spain and has attracted the attention of a host of Premier League sides.
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Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester and Tottenham have all been watching the right-back in La Liga this season after his debut earlier this season whilst Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are also admirers. Having left Real Madrid four years ago he is also a player that Los Blancos know well too.
With such a big chasing pack Fresneda's Real Valladolid manager Pacheta has admitted that he won't be staying at the club for long. He said: "Fresneda will be sold. Ivan is 18-years-old and does things like someone in his 30s.
"They are not set to buy the Fresneda of today, but what he could become over four years. If I was the owner of a club, I would have no doubts. I can put myself in the shoes of another manager who needs a right-back, and all fingers point to Fresneda.
"If I watch the game against Real Madrid, or another game, I see a fantastic player to buy. And where we are inundated with statistics all over the world, Fresneda's statistics are crazy. All these characteristics make me doubt we can keep him here. I would like it but I also know the needs of the club."
What is even more positive is that, despite having another two and a half years on his contract, Fresneda could be available for as little as €20million (£17million) according to 90min. It's tough to get much for that amount of money in European football anymore and Fresneda could prove to be a bargain if Arsenal pursue the deal.
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