FC Barcelona are looking to bolster their right-back position in this transfer market after years of not having a natural right-back who meets the club’s demands. One of the names that the club is considering signing for this position is the Real Valladolid player Ivan Fresneda.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are not the only club interested in the player, and the other suitors of Fresneda include Barcelona’s traditional rivals, Real Madrid. Furthermore, Juventus, Arsenal, and AC Milan are also in the market for the in-demand player.
Real Madrid enjoy an advantage in the pursuit of the player as Fresneda has already played with Real Madrid youth teams. Currently, the Merengues have Dani Carvajal as their starting right-back, but the Madrid side believes Fresneda would be a capable deputy for the veteran fullback, especially as other options like Lucas Vasquez and Alvaro Odriozola have not impressed in recent seasons.
Another advantage that Real Madrid have in this race is their relationship with the former Real Madrid and Barcelona player Ronaldo Nazario. The Brazilian legend is currently the owner of Real Valladolid and can play a part in paving the way for Fresneda to land in Madrid, and that too at a lower cost than what other clubs would be willing to pay.
The player has a €20 million release clause, but Real Valladolid can let the player leave for around €15 million.
Fresneda rose to prominence only last season, with his performances with Real Valladolid. The player made 23 La Liga appearances in the last season and is also a part of the U19 Spanish team, with whom he is currently playing in the U19 European Championship.
Real Madrid have already beaten Barcelona to the signing of the rising Turkish talent Arda Guler. Now, Barcelona would have to go into the market with full vigour to ensure they do not miss out on another target who is not only being pursued by Real Madrid but several other top European clubs as well.
