Chelsea now join race to sign relegated £7m defender, he’s determined to leave his club

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Chelsea have decided to join the race to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda this summer.

That is according to a report from ESPN.

Real Valladolid, who were relegated from the Spanish La Liga division last season, now face the prospect of losing one of their best players.

They’re now playing in Spain’s second tier and may sell Ivan Fresneda before the transfer window closes.

ESPN claims that Chelsea have entered a busy transfer pursuit to sign Real Valladolid’s highly-rated defender.

It is understood that Fresneda would ideally like to join Barcelona, but they’re not yet convinced on him as they work out how to strengthen the full-back position.

The report says that Chelsea are in competition this summer with the likes of Barcelona, West Ham, Porto, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon for the 18-year-old right-back.

Apparently, the Spanish teenager is ‘determined’ to seal a move away from Real Valladolid in the next couple of weeks.

ESPN’s report adds that Chelsea would have no problem paying Fresneda’s asking price, which is between €8million and €10 million (£7million and £9million).

We could be looking at a potential bargain here for the Spanish youngster if he’s signed for just £7m, but we’re not convinced Chelsea need to strengthen at right-back.

Yes, Blues captain Reece James has suffered another injury setback this week. Chelsea confirmed on their official website that James is recovering from an injury he picked up in training which could keep him sidelined for a few weeks.

However, Malo Gusto is now in the Blues squad as genuine cover at full-back. We wouldn’t rule out Axel Disasi or Moises Caicedo slotting in as cover, either.