Chelsea are now favourites to sign Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid – a player who is also wanted by Barcelona.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo.
So, what is the latest on Ivan Fresneda and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Spanish news outlet believe Chelsea have now emerged as frontrunners to sign the Spaniard.
Fresneda – who now has a release clause worth just €20m (£17m) after Real Valladolid were relegated from La Liga – was a primary target for Xavi at Barcelona, although the Spanish giants are pursuing Joao Cancelo as a priority right now.
Barcelona have moved on to Manchester City’s Portugal international after seeing an €8m (£7m) bid rejected for Fresneda – who has been compared to Arsenal No.4 Ben White by Breaking The Lines.
As a result of that and the Real Valladolid No.27 rejecting Atlético Madrid, Stamford Bridge is now being described as the 18-year-old’s most likely destination.
Chelsea plan to sign Fresneda and then loan him out – while they are not specifically mentioned, it could be assumed that the Blues would send the teenager to Strasbourg, after Todd Boehly completed a 100% takeover of the French side.
Chelsea could upset Malo Gusto by targeting Ivan Fresneda
In our view, Malo Gusto may be feeling a bit concerned about this news.
The Frenchman is already playing second fiddle to Reece James at right-back following his £26.3m move to Chelsea from Lyon in January.
Of course, James is injured right now after suffering a setback during the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, but in general, the England international is expected to keep Gusto out of the starting XI, with the 20-year-old used mainly as backup.
Therefore, if Mauricio Pochettino signs another promising right-back in Fresneda, Gusto may start to wonder what Chelsea’s long-term plans for him actually are.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea are favourites to sign the Spain Under-19 international as things stand.
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