Arsenal in talks over move for La Liga full-back

Arsenal will be hoping to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they face rivals Manchester United at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side currently find themselves five points clear at the top of the table, although second-placed Manchester City can cut the gap to just two points if they beat Wolves at The Etihad in the earlier kick-off.

Regardless of the result between City and Wolves, The Gunners can ensure they remain five points clear with a win over The Red Devils, while they also have a game in hand on The Citizens.

The Gunners completed the signing of Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Hove Albion this week, with the Belgian becoming the first arrival at The Emirates this month.

Following the signing of Trossard, Arsenal are now looking to complete a second signing, it appears.

As per The Mail, the north London outfit remain in talks with the agent of Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda.

The report claims that Arsenal are expecting Cedric Soares to join fellow Premier League side Fulham before the window closes, and are therefore keen on signing a full-back to replace the Portuguese.

Fresneda is very highly regarded in Spain

Arsenal are said to be in pole position to sign 18-year-old Fresneda, who has also attracted interest from Newcastle United.

The Magpies are believed to have made an attempt to sign the defender last week, but have since decided to pursue other targets.

The Gunners will therefore hold further talks with Fresneda’s representatives next week, with a view to completing a deal.

Fresneda, a graduate from Vallodolid’s academy, wasn’t involved in the Spanish side’s 3-0 La Liga defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, amid ongoing speculation linking the player with a move to England.

The teenager has been a regular for his current side this season having made his debut last term.

A Spain under-19 international, Fresneda would provide valuable cover for Ben White, who has started all 18 of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season.

The club’s other right-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu, has struggled with injuries so far this term, making just four league starts.