Manager says reported Arsenal target ‘will be sold’, he’s ‘one of the biggest prospects’ in Europe alongside Mudryk

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Arsenal are one of numerous clubs reportedly in pursuit of Ivan Fresneda.

The Daily Mail claimed in December that the Gunners were showing real interest in the Real Valladolid full-back.

However, Arsenal are up against several Premier League rivals in the race for Fresneda’s signature.

According to 90Min, the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are in pursuit.

Earlier this week, The Athletic claimed the Magpies had scouted the teenager in action against Real Madrid last week.

Then, journalist Fernando Kallas told Sky Sports he heard that Fresneda to Newcastle was a “done deal”.

Since then, speculation has softened somewhat, though it still looks as though the Magpies are frontrunners.

While it’s still an open race, Valladolid manager Pacheta seems resigned to losing the player this month.

“Fresneda will be sold,” Pacheta said on Wednesday night, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“Ivan is 18-years-old and does things like someone in his thirties.

“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.”

‘A complete full-back’

Fresneda is ‘one of the biggest prospects in European football’ (AS), having burst onto the scene in recent months.

The teenager made his Valladolid debut last season and has clocked up 10 appearances overall for his club.

This term, Fresneda has featured seven times in La Liga for the newly-promoted outfit.

Football Talent Scout recently published a scouting report about the £10million-rated talent.

Jacek Kulig described him as a ‘complete full-back’ with ‘very good pace at all distances’ and who’s ‘able to deliver pinpoint crosses even at top speed’.

In addition, Fresneda ‘impacts the game at both ends of the pitch’, is an ‘accurate and tenacious tackler’, and has ‘inexhaustible energy and stamina’.

He boasts an impressive potential rating of 9/10, suggesting he could ‘become a key player in a top European club’.