Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda has had his release clause lowered to €20m (£17m) following Real Valladolid’s relegation, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The fullback’s original buyout fee was €30m (£26m) but that has now been slashed, with Romano suggesting that the defender “could still leave for less” than the updated figure:
Iván Fresneda’s release clause is now available for €20m after Valladolid’s relegation, confirmed — as @relevo reported ✨🇪🇸 #transfers
…sources feel Fresneda could still leave for less than €20m in the summer.
Interest but NO bid from Arsenal.
Dortmund, strongly interested. pic.twitter.com/l3uvIzcziI— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2023
The Gunners are in the market for a right-back, with the club keen to provide cover for Ben White. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury problems mean he can’t be relied upon and bringing in a young, energetic attack-minded player like Fresneda does seem like a good move.
As Romano points out, no formal approach has been made yet, and it could well be the case that other options are being considered as well.
Who else could Arsenal be targeting?
A few other names have been linked with a switch to the Emirates over the past few months, most notably Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, who Romano himself has confirmed is being followed by the Gunners.
Securing the Portuguese international’s signature isn’t deemed to be that likely, though, both due to his sizeable valuation and, more importantly, his lack of interest in staying in England.
Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey, Wolfsburg’s Ridle Baku and Ajax’s Devyne Rensch have been mentioned as possible alternatives but Fresneda seems to be the most likely candidate.
There is competition for Fresneda
Borussia Dortmund are still thought to be Arsenal’s biggest rival to secure the defender’s services. However, back in January, it was revealed by his agent that up to THIRTY clubs had enquired about the player.
Considering his release clause has now been slashed too, there could well be a fierce battle to snap him up in the coming weeks.