Arsenal have been handed a massive transfer boost as it has emerged that teenage sensation Ivan Fresneda has had his release clause halved thanks to Real Valladolid’s relegation from the Spanish top flight this season.
The Gunners have been keen on a move for the Spaniard since earlier in the season, and were locked in battle for his services in January before he ultimately opted to remain in Spain for the rest of the season.
However, they continue to face competition from Borussia Dortmund for his signature six months on from failing to land him. Both sides have been handed a financial boost, though, following the final day of the La Liga campaign.
A 0-0 draw between Getafe and Vallodolid ensured that Fresneda’s side dropped into the second tier of Spanish football, which in turn had a knock on effect on his release clause.
Thought to initially sit at 40m euros, Relevo now report that it has halved, and that the defender is now on the market for just 20m euros (£17m) thanks to his relegation.
They add that though ‘Dortmund is on pole’ for his signature, ‘nothing is ruled out’ and Arsenal are also keen on the defender, who would prefer a move to London.
“I think Fresneda has few games left with the Real Valladolid shirt. He is 18 years old, but he does things that people of 30 do”, he explained.
“If I was at another club, I would go for him without hesitation, his data is brutal and you are not buying the current player, you are buying what he can become in a few years.”
Arsenal have also been linked to Mohamed Simakan of RB Leipzig and Sacha Boey from Galatasaray as they look to provide cover for Ben White ahead of the new season.
