Arsenal and Newcastle United are set to fight it out for 18-year-old Spanish sensation Iván Fresneda, according to reports in Spain.
The Magpies currently have Kieran Trippier in that position, but the England stalwart is now 32-years-old and, despite being club captain, will not be able to go on forever.
Beyond Trippier, Emil Krafth has suffered a serious injury and Javier Manquillo has flattered to deceive in his limited opportunities under Eddie Howe.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are deploying Ben White on the right side of their defence, with the injury-prone Takehiro Tomiyasu having rarely featured so far this season. They are set to part ways with Cedric Soares this January too, with the Portuguese defender reportedly close to joining fellow Premier League side Fulham.
Cedric Soares #17 of Arsenal 2HP8N9C Cedric Soares #17 of Arsenal (Alamy Stock Photo)
And, as per Spanish outlet Relevo, the Gunners and Eddie Howe’s side have entered the race for Rayo Valladolid defender Iván Fresneda, who is available this January should a suitable bid be made.
Though his release clause sits at 30m euros, Vallodolid would accept less, though no mention of how much less is made.
Fresneda, who was raised in the Real Madrid academy, has made six La Liga appearances to date for Real Valladolid, having made the step up to the senior side from the reserves over the summer. He also has four Spain U19 caps to his name.
Arsenal already have a future option for the right-back spot in the form of Brooke Norton-Cuffy, currently on loan at Championship side Rotherham, and another addition to an already crowded area seems unlikely, especially were there to be a significant fee involved.
Fresneda is reportedly also catching the attention of Serie A pair AC Milan and Inter Milan.
-:Pep Guardiola drops hint as to when he will leave Manchester CityLionel Messi makes MLS decision following World Cup win
–
