Arsenal were heavily linked with a move to sign Ivan Fresneda in the January transfer window, and the teenager has now delivered his verdict on Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal‘s priority in the January window was additions in central midfield and out wide. We brought in Jorginho and Leandro Trossard to fill those positions, but to many people’s surprise, we were in for a right-back too.
That player was Fresneda, and multiple reports led us to believe a deal could be done. However, the youngster stayed at Real Valladolid in the end.
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Ivan Fresneda issues verdict on Mikel Arteta after Arsenal tried to sign him
Arsenal didn’t sign Fresneda in the January transfer window, but that does not mean the interest has disappeared. The Gunners are still watching the talented young Spaniard.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed at the end of February that Arsenal see Fresneda as ‘a star in the making‘ and will surely make another move to sign him.
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The summer transfer window is approaching now, and Fresneda seems to have just opened the door for a move to Arsenal by hailing Mikel Arteta in an interview.
The teenager told The Athletic: “I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach; I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic.”
Speaking about the style of play he likes, Fresneda said: “I love the style we try, to press high, to have the ball, to look for space, and to attack. But sometimes we have to suffer because the league is difficult.”
That’s how Arsenal play, isn’t it?
TBR View:
Ivan Fresneda would be a hugely exciting option for Arsenal.
Yes, the Spaniard is still only 18 and hasn’t played outside of Spain yet, but his characteristics really suit how Arsenal play, and he would be a ‘fantastic‘ fit for us.
Arteta has Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu at his disposal, and they’re both excellent. However, the Japan international has constantly had fitness issues, and that has not been ideal.
Fresneda could well be viewed as a more reliable back up for White next season. Arteta will surely improve him.
