Arsenal started negotiations with 18-year-old Spanish defender

Barcelona have joined PL leaders Arsenal in the pursuit of Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda ahead of the 2023 summer transfer window. U19 Spain international came through the youth ranks at several teams including Real Madrid before joining Real Valladolid in 2020.

Fresneda spent only a year in the club’s academy before being moved on to the reserve team. Ivan made his senior bow for the Spanish club at the age of 17 with Real Betis in the Copa Del Rey in 2022. Already the first Under-18 player since Dani Vega in 2014 to train with the first team, Ivan certainly was making waves at the Jose Zorrilla.

The 18-year-old defender has since played 14 matches for the Pucelanos’ senior side and has attracted attention from 30 clubs for his services. League leaders Barcelona have an eye for talent and have now thrown their name into the hat for the Spanish defender’s services.

A resurgent Arsenal under Mikel Arteta are also keen and should present Barcelona with the tournament. Arsenal have a youthful side that can develop together in the years to come. And the Spaniard should fit in quite well. However, a move to the Emirates Stadium could see him have to initially settle for a spot on the bench.

Tomiyasu has been a revelation since joining Arsenal, and Ben White is also a capable deputy in the role. More so, moving abroad represents its own challenges. Staying put in Spain, for now, will help him develop his game further in a comfortable environment.