Chelsea ‘race’ Arsenal to hijack Barcelona transfer after player ‘green lights’ €20m exit

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·18 August 2023

Chelsea ‘race’ Arsenal to hijack Barcelona transfer after player ‘green lights’ €20m exit

According to reports, Chelsea have ‘entered the race’ to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda, who is also wanted by Arsenal and FC Barcelona.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout season during the 2022/23 campaign for former La Liga outfit Real Valladolid.

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The right-back played 24 times across all competitions for the Spanish side, who finished 18th to suffer relegation from the top division last season.

Fresneda has quickly caught the attention of clubs around Europe and he was heavily linked with Arsenal during the January transfer window.

More recently, the defender has been targeted by Spanish giants Barcelona. ESPN are reporting that he ‘gave the green light to join Barca several weeks ago but opinion within the La Liga club has been divided on whether they should sign him or not’. The report adds.

‘Coach Xavi Hernández would prefer a more experienced alternative such as Manchester City’s João Cancelo, while newly appointed sporting director Deco favours Fresneda as a longer-term option. ‘Barca’s first-choice in the position was Juan Foyth, but his signing is increasingly unlikely due to his club Villarreal’s financial demands. Ronald Araújo started at right-back in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw at Getafe on the opening weekend of the La Liga season, but the Uruguayan will now be absent through injury for a month. ‘Sources told ESPN that Barca attempting to sign both Cancelo and Fresneda could not be ruled out, if the club’s finances allow, but a decision must be made quickly.’

The report also states that ‘other clubs are keeping tabs on Fresneda’s situation’, with ‘Chelsea entering the race to sign him’.

There is a €20m release clause in the player’s contract that became active following Real Valladolid’s relegation but their ‘expected transfer fee’ is actually ‘between €8 and 10 million’. The report also states.

‘Arsenal enquired about the Spain under-19 international during the January transfer window, and sources told ESPN that West Ham have also considered a bid this summer. ‘Three Portuguese clubs — Sporting CP, FC Porto and Benfica — have also shown an interest in Fresneda in recent weeks. ‘Valladolid were relegated from LaLiga last season and the player is determined to secure a move this summer. His preferred destination would be Barcelona, but he is aware that time is running out and will opt to move elsewhere if Barca fail to act.’

Earlier this week, it was claimed that Arsenal have ‘returned’ for Fresneda after Jurrien Timber suffered a serious injury that will see him miss most of the 2023/24 campaign.

Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow of their own as it has been confirmed that Reece James will be out of action for a few weeks.