Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal want exciting La Liga star to join in Moises Caicedo double deal, as main transfer rival named

Ivan Fresneda and Toni Kroos

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans, detailing the Arsenal interest in snapping up a Spanish player in addition to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Arsenal sent Brighton a £60million bid for the Ecuador international on Friday. That came after the Seagulls had rejected a £55m offer from Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Arteta, his team failed to agree a deal with Brighton. Caicedo has released a public transfer plea to try and force the move through, but TEAMtalk understands Brighton will not be selling him for any price this month.

However, both Arsenal and Chelsea will test their resolve and return with new proposals before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Caicedo is not the only player Arteta wants to arrive at Arsenal this month. He is also looking at Real Valladolid wonderkid Ivan Fresneda.

The right-back is just 18 years old but is already a regular in the Real Valladolid first team, having made 12 appearances in all competitions so far this term. He has international experience too, with four Spain U19 caps to his name.

During an interview with GiveMeSport, Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are hoping to capture Fresneda.

And while his release clause stands at €30m (£26.4m), Real Valladolid could sell him to Arsenal for half that price.

Trusted journalist discusses potential Arsenal signing

“At the moment, it is not that easy,” Romano declared. “But it’s true that Arsenal had conversations with his agents and it’s true that Arsenal are interested.

“It’s going to be important to understand what they can offer because Real Valladolid are prepared to accept less than the release clause.

“The release clause is €30m, but they’re prepared to accept around €15m (£13.1m). And they want the player to stay until the end of the season to help Real Valladolid to fight and stay in La Liga. Borussia Dortmund are offering that.”

It seems Arsenal are in a good position to land Fresneda. They easily have the funds to meet his potential £13.1m valuation. However, sporting director Edu has to be clever to fight off Dortmund.

The German side are known for developing young players into top stars and will try and use this reputation to get to Fresneda first. As such, Edu must point to the exciting project at Emirates Stadium, as well as Arsenal’s league position, to try and win the race for the full-back.

Arteta would love Arsenal to bring in both Caicedo and Fresneda before the transfer window closes. But Fresneda’s signing is much more likely than Caicedo’s right now.

Should Fresneda join Arsenal, then he could completely alter Arteta’s defensive options. According to CBS Sports journalist James Benge, the manager will consider letting Kieran Tierney go this summer.

Fresneda could become Ben White’s deputy at right-back. Takehiro Tomiyasu may then provide competition for Oleksandr Zinchenko on the other side of defence.

Tierney, meanwhile, could depart Arsenal for a rival Premier League team.