After already completing 3 transfers in the summer window, FC Barcelona are looking to further strengthen their squad and are pursuing new targets to reinforce, especially two positions: the pivot position and the right-back spot. For the latter, the 18-year-old Iván Fresneda is one of the names on the shortlist of the Blaugrana higher-ups to bolster the right flank.
While João Cancelo remains a top target for the Catalans, the operation is made difficult because Manchester City prefers a permanent sale of the Portuguese fullback, whereas the Catalans cannot afford the hefty price and would only take the defender on a loan deal.
Meanwhile, Fresneda’s valuation is nowhere near the price of the City defender, and the young Spaniard is considered as one of the top targets for the position. Though, this option has cooled down in recent days, but the possibility is not completely ruled out as the window is still long and anything can happen in the coming weeks.
The youngster, who is currently on international duty with the U-19 national team of Spain in Malta, recently appeared on Cadena SER’s ‘Què t’hi jugues’ program prior to the Red Fury’s semi-final match against Italy in the U-19 European Championship.
In the above-mentioned interview reported by Mundo Deportivo, the defender spoke about Barça’s interest in him: “I am calm with my situation. The interest from such big teams is something that gives me strength to keep working. My agents handle these matters,” he declared.
Fresneda also expressed his full focus on his current team: “Right now, all I have in my mind is Real Valladolid. Once the European [tournament] is over, I will sit down and discuss whatever needs to be discussed,” he added.
He also spoke about his U19 teammate and Barcelona Atletic player Aleix Garrido, having praising words towards the Catalan youngster: “He is a great player, the truth is that both as a person and as a player, he is spectacular. On the field, you can all see it, and you have seen it this year, and as a person, he is fantastic.”
Fresneda has been a key figure in the U-19 Spanish team, starting 2 out of the 3 games so far in the tournament. His debut season as a first-division player surpassed the initial expectations, having drawn the interest of other big teams as well such as Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal.
