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Arsenal To Sign La Liga Star That Would Force Key Starters Into New Role

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2023

Arsenal To Sign La Liga Star That Would Force Key Starters Into New Role

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be planning a major tactical overhaul for next season, with the potential signing of Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda playing a key role in his plans.

The 18-year-old right-back has been on Arsenal’s radar since January and could be the solution to the Gunners’ need for a more attack-minded option in that position.

According to reports, Arteta plans to push Ben White into a more central role next season, but needs a quality right-back to take his place.

Arsenal’s backline took on a new look for the current campaign, with Oleksandr Zinchenko ousting Kieran Tierney at left-back and William Saliba pushing Ben White over to right-back.

White, Saliba, Gabriel and Zinchenko have combined to produce one of the meanest defences in the Premier League this term. However, an unfortunate back injury suffered by Saliba coincided with a run of seven matches in which Arsenal failed to keep a clean sheet.

White could ordinarily have returned to his more customary centre-back position and deputised fore Saliba. However, an injury to Takehiro Tomiyasu ensured White had to remain at full-back, with the less than impressive Rob Holding struggling in Saliba’s absence.

The signing of Fresneda would allow Arteta to play White in his preferred position and create a more dynamic attack.

Fresneda, who has a release clause of €30m (£27m), has previously expressed his admiration for Arteta’s work at Arsenal, saying that he is a “great coach”.

The Spanish youngster’s playing style at Valladolid, which involves high pressing, possession, and forward-thinking football, aligns with Arteta’s vision for the Gunners.

The deal for Fresneda could reportedly be done for a more modest fee of €20m (£17.7m), which would represent excellent value for a player with such potential.

The Gunners are said to be keen to add depth to their squad in the right centre-back position, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi also on their radar.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with adding depth at right centre-back this summer. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is high on their radar, according to the Daily Mail.

However, Football Insider put forward a different view, claiming a new right-back could be signed who’d then allow White to feature more heavily back at centre-half.

FI report Arteta is seeking a more attack-minded option at right-back with both White and Tomiyasu centre-backs by trade.

Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda is the man FI believe could be on the move to Arsenal. The 18-year-old emerged on both Arsenal and Newcastle’s radars back in January.

More recently, German outlet BILD claimed Arsenal are determined to sign Fresneda at the second time of asking. BILD were reporting on the future of Fresneda due to Borussia Dortmund’s interest in the player.

Fresneda hails Arteta; price tag revealed

The Athletic interviewed Fresneda in March and the young Spaniard admitted he’s a huge fan of the work Arteta is doing at the Emirates.

His response came when asked if the manner in which Valladolid plays is similar to that implemented by Arteta in north London.

“I like Arteta a lot because I think he’s a great coach,” said Fresneda. “I follow the European leagues and I think the work he’s doing with his club is fantastic.

“But now with [Valladolid manager] Paulo Pezzolano and before with [former boss] Pacheta we do that style of play, and that style is the one I like the most.”

The tactical reshuffle could pay dividends for Arsenal next season, as Arteta looks to build on a strong defensive foundation and add more firepower to his attack. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the club’s transfer dealings this summer, as they look to return to the top of English football.