Overview
- Mid-June reports say Arsenal are considering a move for Sporting right-back Ivan Fresneda, but no bid or agreement has been confirmed.
- Sporting are reported to be reluctant to sell and Fresneda’s contract reportedly includes a £69 million release clause while Real Madrid, Manchester City and Newcastle are also linked.
- Fresneda made few appearances under Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system but became a regular after Rui Borges moved him into a conventional right-back role, which supporters of the transfer say suits Arsenal’s back-four style.
- Some analysts caution Fresneda may not be an immediate upgrade, pointing to below-average tackles, interceptions and limited chance-creating in Portugal as reasons for doubt.
- A move would be driven by Arsenal’s need for dependable cover behind first-choice Jurrien Timber because Ben White has had repeated injury problems and completing a deal could shape how the club spends this summer.