Despite the additions that FC Barcelona have made in this summer transfer window, their squad still lacks a natural right-back whom Xavi can rely upon for the upcoming season.
According to SPORT, after the victory against Real Madrid in the El Classico last night, Xavi already made it clear that the team needed more possession in the final third. For this purpose, the Barcelona head coach has requested the club to make two more additions to the squad, with a right-back signing being the absolute priority.
The report claims that the club has a clear consensus in regard to the choice of the player for this position, and this player is Ivan Fresneda. FC Barcelona are aiming to incorporate the right-back before the start of the league and then go into the market for another attacking midfielder.
The Catalans believe that the market for a right-back is more competitive right now, and thus will focus specifically on getting Fresneda. As for the attacking midfielder, the club would wait till the end of August, as they are counting on transfer market movements to create opportunities for a big move by this time.
Xavi and the club want to sign a player in the right-back position who is young and can develop further in the coming years. Fresneda meets this requirement, and his phenomenal growth in his only season in La Liga makes him an ideal candidate for the Catalan side.
While the Blaugranes have shown an interest in the player, they have not started negotiations with Real Valladolid for a move. The player has a release clause of €20 million, but the Catalans are aiming to get it reduced to get this move materialized.
Thus, Barcelona are aiming to make the transfer attractive for Valladolid by putting in high add-ons but a lower fixed transfer fee. Fresneda himself is waiting for Barcelona to make a move and is willing to move to Camp Nou.
Barcelona have reportedly decided that Sergino Dest is not good enough to remain with the team for the upcoming season and Roberto will be playing more in the midfield. Thus, Fresneda will be supported by Kounde and Araujo when he is not available or when Xavi decides to take a more conservative approach on the flank.
