Long-term Arsenal target set to extend contract amid Spain call-up | OneFootball

Arsenal-linked Ivan Fresneda is set to extend his contract with Sporting CP, having been called up to the Spain senior squad for the current international break.

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21-year-old defender Ivan Fresneda received a major personal boost on Sunday, as the Spanish national team confirmed he’d been called up to their senior squad for the September-October break.

Fresneda wasn’t initially included in Luis de la Fuente’s squad, having instead been selected for the Spain u21s. But with Pedro Porro pulling out of the senior squad, Fresneda was a late call-up.

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But that’s not the only big news involving Fresneda at the moment, with reports suggesting Sporting CP are on track to extend his contract to 2031.

Portuguese outlet A Bola report that everything indicates the defender is set to sign on for three more years, with his current deal expiring in 2028. Fresneda will receive a pay rise, though his release clause of €80m (£68.7m) isn’t expected to change.

A Bola add that Arsenal have long had Fresneda on their shortlist, and AS Roma were also very interested over the summer. But the player is now very much on his current club’s list of priority renewals.

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Given Fresneda’s age, it’s still very possible Arsenal come back for him again in the future. He’s clearly continuing to make progress with Sporting, as evidence by this Spain call-up.

The Gunners don’t have an urgent need to sign a right-back, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White at the club, and Cristhian Mosquera and Ezri Konsa capable of playing on that side too.

But if 28-year-old White doesn’t end up staying with Arsenal for the long term, the club may then look for a replacement. Like Fresneda, White’s current deal expires in 2028, but with a club option to extend to 2029.

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