Arsenal linked again with €80m 21yo | OneFootball

Ivan Fresneda is back in the headlines after fresh reports from Portugal, but one detail of the speculation raises obvious questions.

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Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for Ivan Fresneda, the Sporting CP right-back whose contract includes an €80 million release clause.

Fresneda, now 21, has been on Arsenal’s radar for at least four years, dating back to when the Gunners were reportedly in talks to sign him as a 17-year-old.

At the time, the proposed deal was believed to be worth around €15 million, while his release clause stood at €30 million.

When the January 2023 transfer window opened, Fresneda’s representatives travelled to London amid intense speculation over Arsenal’s interest.

Despite reports that a deal had been agreed, any move was postponed until the summer.

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The story did not end there. Fresneda later admitted he admired Mikel Arteta and was ‘proud’ to be linked with Arsenal, while also setting about learning English.

Despite all that, and Arsenal reportedly submitting a lucrative offer that summer, Fresneda instead left Real Valladolid for Sporting in a deal worth just €9 million.

The speculation has been quiet since, but it appears to be resurfacing in this window.

Record in Portugal reports: “The Spaniard is bound until June 2028 and has the contract secured through a clause set at €80m. In the current market, the right-back has also been pointed out as a possible reinforcement of Arsenal and Newcastle.”

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With two years remaining on his current contract in Portugal, it is possible these latest rumours are intended to strengthen Fresneda’s position in negotiations over improved terms at Sporting.

Equally, he remains a player Arsenal have admired for a long time, and right-back is a position that has caused the club problems because of injuries.

The one aspect of the speculation that appears difficult to believe is the valuation.

Arsenal may continue to monitor Fresneda, but it is hard to envisage the club paying anything close to €80 million for a full-back this summer, particularly when significant investment is also expected in attacking and midfield positions.

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