Barca set to overtake Arsenal in race for Fresneda

Alba Romero 2 years ago 13.2k |

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Fresneda (L) is likely to join Barca in the summer. EFE

According to the 'Daily Mail', Arsenal could lose the race for Ivan Fresneda as Barcelona are reportedly closing in on his transfer. However, the Catalan giants aren't willing to pay his €20 million buyout clause.

Arsenal were the main contenders to secure Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda's services. The youngster had superb performances in La Liga last season and is likely to leave his current club in the summer.

Nonetheless, according to the 'Daily Mail', the Gunners' dreams could be dashed by Barcelona as they are reportedly closing in on the right-back's transfer.

The same media outlet reports that Fresneda's inner circle met with the Catalan side's board on Thursday and his arrival at Camp Nou could be imminent. Valladolid are asking 20 million euros for his transfer.

However, the Catalan giants are unable to pay that amount due to their Financial Fair Play problems and will offer 10 million euros for him. Both Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal submitted bids for the defender in January.

We will have to wait and see what Fresneda decides for his future but for the moment it's known that he is a well-liked player by Mikel Arteta. And it's reciprocal.

"I like Arteta a lot because I think he's a great coach. I follow the European leagues and I think the work he's doing with his club is fantastic," the 18-year-old said in an interview for 'The Athletic'.