Arsenal have one of the best defences in all of Europe, and their Premier League title challenge is built on a solid defensive foundation. Mikel Arteta wants to ensure they continue to be one of the meanest defences, and in order to do so, the North London club are looking to add more quality to their backline.
The Gunners are looking to bring in a new right-back this summer, amidst uncertainty around Ben White’s future. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal want to sign Spanish full-back Ivan Fresneda, who has been doing wonders for Sporting CP in Portugal.
However, they are not the only club that are keen on signing the 21-year-old. Manchester City and Newcastle United also have their eyes set on the youngster, who has taken his game to the next level since moving to Portugal.
Fresneda came up the ranks at Real Valladolid and made quite a name for himself while playing for their first team. He was linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world during the summer of 2023, but ended up joining Sporting CP instead.
The decision to join the Portuguese club has certainly worked in his favour, as he has had regular minutes and has managed to fast-track his development. Thanks to his impressive performances, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle are ready to prise him away.
The Magpies were keen on his signature back in 2023, and they even held talks. They are back for his signature and could make things difficult for Arsenal. With Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth likely to leave at the end of the season, going after Fresneda’s signature will certainly make sense.
Meanwhile, City also seek more quality at right-back, as they are yet to successfully replace Kyle Walker. Hugo Viana, who took him to Sporting, now wants him at the Manchester-based club.
As far as the Gunners are concerned, they are looking for a new right-back amidst uncertainty around Ben White, who hasn’t had much game time of late. The £50 million man could end up leaving the club this summer, and Fresneda could take his place in the squad.
