Arsenal transfers: Edu targets bargain move for Ajax star as Dortmund ruin plan for Spanish signing
Arsenal will reportedly turn their attentions towards a second right-back target after Borussia Dortmund entered what has been described as advanced negotiations for top target Ivan Fresneda.
The Gunners have enjoyed an excellent season and remain alive in the title race. While Manchester City will be overwhelming favourites to land a fifth crown in six seasons, the 2-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday served as a reminder that Mikel Arteta’s side are not giving up without a fight.
While their title challenge is signs of significant progress for Arteta’s side, they have done so with one or two significant holes in their side. Indeed, a mixture of injuries and loss of form for Takehiro Tomiyasu has limited the Japan star to just six Premier League starts this season.
That has left Ben White – a centre-half by trade – filling in for the majority of the season at right-back.
As such, it is little surprise to see Arteta chasing a specialist full-back to play in the position next season.
To that end, talented Real Valladolid star Fresneda has long been established as Arteta’s top target.
Sadly though for Arsenal, it seems they have been beaten to the punch for the 18-year-old talent.
And while Fresneda has spoken openly about his admiration for Arsenal, it seems a move to Borussia Dortmund is now closing in.
The news will come as a bitter blow for Arteta, who has long been on the teenager’s trail.
And while they will maintain their interest until confirmed otherwise, sporting director Edu now has a Plan B in place. And according to Football Insider, Ajax’s Devyne Rensch is very much in their sights.
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The 20-year-old Netherlands international has made 33 appearances this season, scoring once and providing three assits. Fitting in perfectly with the Arsenal model, Rensch is also attracting attention from Sevilla and Brighton.
However, it is Arsenal who are seemingly the most keen to trigger a deal. And the Gunners will be boosted by claims Rensch can be lured away for a fee of around €15m (£13.6m).
The player recently came in for some criticism from Dutch legend Marco van Basten. That came after his performance in the KNVB Cup final, where PSV beat Ajax 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
However, Edu is happy enough to look at the bigger picture and has reportedly been impressed by the youngster’s progress. Born in 2003, he has seemingly got better as the season has progressed, making the right-back berth his own.
His potential signing will means Rensch will compete with Tomiyasu for the right-back berth next season. As for White, Arteta plans to move inside centrally once again next season. That will offer the Gunners another central defensive option to compete with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
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