Club Are Looking To ‘Speed Up’ Contract Negotiations To Keep Defender Out Of Arsenal’s Clutches – Report
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Sporting Lisbon are expected to “speed up” contract talks with Ivan Fresneda following renewed interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
The Gunners have tracked the right-back for several years, and the Correio da Manha claim that his recent form and subsequent international call-up have not gone unnoticed.
Fresneda was an unused substitute in Spain’s 4-1 win over Croatia on Tuesday night, and he was also named on the bench against Czechia yesterday evening.
The 22-year-old’s value is beginning to skyrocket, and Sporting are reportedly keen to protect their asset by offering him a new deal.
Fresneda was a summer target
The BBC named the fullback as one of 21 players that sporting director Andrea Berta had shortlisted ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ultimately, the Gunners brought in only one new defender, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and the England international’s arrival has reduced the need to reinforce the right-hand side of defence.
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Arsenal may revive their interest in the player
While a bid for Fresneda is unlikely to be tabled in the near future, it is something that could be explored if Ben White is sold next year.
The 28-year-old will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season. The Premier League champions do have the option to extend his stay for another twelve months until 2029, but his fitness problems may prompt the club to sanction his departure.
Fresneda would be a more attack-minded option than Mikel Arteta’s other right-back Jurrien Timber, and his addition to the squad would offer the manager greater flexibility in that position.