Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Real Valladolid over a move for highly-rated right-back Ivan Fresneda.
The 18-year-old has quickly become one of the most sought-after teenagers in La Liga after becoming a regular fixture of the Valladolid first team in recent weeks.
Fresneda has made 12 appearances for Valladolid in all competitions this season, featuring 10 times in La Liga - including seven starts - and playing two Copa del Rey fixtures.
The Spain Under-19 international previously spent four years in the Real Madrid academy before leaving for Leganes, and his contract at Valladolid - who he joined in 2020 - runs until 2025.
However, the La Liga strugglers will find it difficult to retain Fresneda's services in the summer, with a plethora of top European clubs said to be queuing up for his signature.
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According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have now initiated discussions with both Valladolid and Fresneda's representatives over a possible move for the defender.
Fresneda was dropped from the starting XI for Valladolid's 3-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, apparently due to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Romano adds that the teenager could potentially make his exit from Valladolid as early as next week, and Arsenal are one of three or four clubs in the race to sign him.
As well as the Gunners, Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been strongly linked with a move for Fresneda, who came off the bench for the final 30 minutes against Atletico on Saturday.
Arsenal allowed Hector Bellerin to join Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer, seemingly leaving Takehiro Tomiyasu and Cedric Soares to battle for the right-back role.
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However, the incorporation of William Saliba has led to Ben White being shifted to a right-back role, and the 25-year-old has been a consistent performer on that side for Mikel Arteta.
The injury-plagued Tomiyasu has been demoted to second choice given White's form, while Cedric is widely expected to leave the club either in January or the summer window.
The 31-year-old is understood to be in talks over a January move to Fulham, although Arteta supposedly values his experience in the dressing room and is reluctant to lose him this month.
Cedric is only contracted to Arsenal until 2024, though, which will most likely lead the Gunners to sanction an exit in the summer, opening up a spot for Fresneda to join the ranks.
Arsenal have already sealed the signing of Leandro Trossard this month, and they are on the verge of completing a deal for Spezia centre-back Jakub Kiwior.
The 22-year-old completed his medical on Saturday and is expected to be in the stands when the Gunners face off against Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.
Ben Knapton
