As per ESPN, Chelsea are showing interest in signing Real Valladolid star Ivan Fresneda this summer and are prepared to meet the £8.5 million asking price for the young Spaniard. However, they face competition from La Liga giants Barcelona.
Mauricio Pochettino is eager to secure the services of another right-back before the transfer window closes on September 1st.
This decision comes in the wake of Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, sustaining a hamstring injury during training last week.
The English international is now expected to spend an extended period on the sidelines, with reports suggesting he could be out of action for several months.
James’ recent injury setback has dealt a significant blow to Chelsea, prompting Pochettino to seek a replacement during this transfer window.
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One potential candidate is Ivan Fresneda. The 18-year-old is reportedly open to leaving Valladolid following their relegation from La Liga last season.
According to ESPN, Chelsea have been monitoring the Spaniard for some time and are now considering making a move for the promising youngster.
Chelsea appears willing to meet his asking price, which could go as high as £8.5 million. However, they face strong competition from Barcelona.
The report indicates that Fresneda is in a wait-and-see mode, gauging whether Barcelona will indeed finalize their proposed transfer for him before making a final decision about his future destination.
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Barcelona’s director, Deco, is eager to secure the services of the youngster as a long-term solution to their right-back issues. However, manager Xavi has a preference for a more experienced option, such as Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
They have been strongly linked with Cancelo, who faced a downturn in fortunes at City last season and spent the latter part of the campaign on loan at Bayern Munich.
Negotiations between Barcelona and Man City are reportedly in an advanced stage, but a deal has not yet been finalized.
It appears to be only a matter of time before Cancelo completes his transfer to the Nou Camp, which could potentially end Barcelona’s pursuit of Fresneda. This development could be a significant boost for Chelsea.
However, the Blues may still face competition for the right-back, as West Ham, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Arsenal, and Benfica are also expressing interest in the young talent.
