Barcelona set sights on €20 million-rated Arsenal, Newcastle right-back target

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez held a meeting with director of football Mateu Alemany, soon-to-be sporting director Deco and other key decision-makers at the club last week to discuss the transfer strategies for the summer.

One of the major topics of discussion during the meeting was the signing of a new right-back. Due to the limited finances, the position is not deemed a priority by Xavi and the club, but Deco insisted on the signing of a specialist player for the right-back slot.

And, according to SPORT, one of the names that Barcelona’s soon-to-be new sporting director is considering for the position is Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.

The 18-year-old former Real Madrid trainee had a solid breakthrough campaign with Valladolid in 2022/23. He finished the campaign with 25 appearances across all competitions, but could not help his team avoid relegation from La Liga.

Fresneda’s performances, though, have not gone unnoticed as his agent has confirmed that as many as 30 clubs have asked about his situation heading into the summer.

Among the interested parties are Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Newcastle United, while AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keen.

Borussia Dortmund are another team to have taken a liking towards the teenager and are understood to be pressing the most to sign him up.

Now, Barcelona, too, have joined the list of admirers of the 18-year-old Fresneda, with the reporting suggesting that the club’s sporting staff like the young right-back.

Following Valladolid’s relegation, Fresneda has a release clause worth just €20 million which should not be a huge issue for the Blaugrana. Furthermore, it is suggested that they could look to drive that price down by including a player from the Barça Atletic squad.

The report further adds that Fresneda’s profile fits perfectly into Barcelona’s style of play. But given the widespread interest in his services, especially from two top-tier Premier League teams, the Catalans will need to act swiftly if they wish to sign up the teenager.