Report: Newcastle went to watch £26m Arsenal target in person this weekend with view to January signing

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Newcastle United are looking to make some January signings and according to The Athletic, went to watch Ivan Fresneda in action on Friday.

The Athletic claims that the Mags sent a scout to personally watch Fresneda for Valladolid on Friday night when they took on Real Madrid in La Liga.

Newcastle’s interest in Fresneda comes as the Magpies look to bring in a few players in key positions. Fresneda’s position as a right-back makes him a candidate to provide cover for Kieran Trippier at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s interest in Fresneda could mean he ends up battling Arsenal for his signature. The Gunners are reportedly keen on signing Fresneda themselves as they look to add to their own squad. Reports have suggested a bid in the region of £26m will be enough for Valladolid to do business.

The 18-year-old is seen as one of La Liga’s top prospects and he is already a regular in the first XI. However, Valladolid know full well they might have to sell if the money is right.

TBR’s View: Newcastle battling big clubs for top players is a step forward

Newcastle getting themselves in the mix for some of Europe’s top young players shows that PIF are getting the Mags heading in the right direction.

Fresneda very much seems like a top young player. He’s already in the first team mix in a top league and there is no doubt a top career beckons for the teenager.

For Newcastle, signing someone like Fresneda makes sense in the long-term. The issue for Eddie Howe is that he has Newcastle in the top four now, which means adding players who can improve the XI or squad right now.

Of course, if the Toon can beat Arsenal to Fresneda it sends a message. But someone with more experience might well be more appealing.