One of the positions that FC Barcelona are looking to strengthen in the remaining days of this summer transfer window is the right flank. The Catalans are prioritising this position, but have been unable to get a new player despite trying through the entirety of this transfer window.
Joao Cancelo is the favorite of Xavi to strengthen this position, but the club is also looking at other targets. One such target is the Spaniard, Ivan Fresneda, whom Deco likes for his potential and low cost.
Previously it was reported that Deco wants to get Fresneda even if the Catalans sign Cancelo, but the club would send the youngster on loan in such a situation.
Chelsea enter the race for Fresneda
According to SPORT, Barcelona are not the only side that is interested in Fresneda this summer, as the Premier League side, Chelsea, is also vigorously trying to sign him. The report mentions that Chelsea scouts are fully convinced by Fresneda’s talents, and are going to make a formal offer for the player soon.
The Catalan club is also aware of the interest of Chelsea in their target, and there has been some tension in the club because of this. A majority of higher-ups at Barcelona clearly wanted to bet on Cancelo, but the future of the Portuguese fullback remains highly uncertain, as Blaugranes are still negotiating with Manchester City for his signing.
Right-back imbroglio at Barcelona
Earlier, Barcelona were aiming to get Fresneda before going in for Cancelo, a scenario with the lowest risk for the club. Barcelona already had made an €8 million offer for the player, and the difference between the Catalans and Valladolid for the player is only minimal, but the negotiations with Valladolid came to a standstill with the pursuit of Cancelo.
Now, the high costs of Cancelo make it difficult for Barcelona to go into both these operations simultaneously, and Valladolid would not think too long before selling the player for a higher fee to Chelsea.
Still, Barcelona have a chance to get Fresneda, but that’s only because the player himself wants to play for Barcelona, and is willing to wait for the Catalans. However, he will not be waiting too long, and Barcelona will have to make a commitment in the coming days to keep him away from joining another side.
