Arsenal set to battle European clubs for signing of La Liga defender

Arsenal travel to face Leicester City on Saturday looking to maintain their grip on top spot in the Premier League table. 

The Gunners were top of the pile for more than 100 days before losing to Manchester City last week, but they returned to top spot after beating Aston Villa 4-2 on Saturday.

There are likely to be several more twists and turns between now and the end of the season, but in the meantime Arsenal are being linked with a move for a La Liga defender.

According to The Evening Standard, The Gunners are one of a number of clubs interested in Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda.

The 18-year-old right-back has been in good form so far this season, and he has reportedly attracted interest from clubs including Newcastle United, German club Borussia Dortmund and Serie A side Juventus.

Fresneda, 18, made his debut for Valladolid last term and has established himself as the Spanish side’s first choice this term, making 12 appearances across all competitions.

Arsenal are interested in Fresneda

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Fresneda during the January transfer window, but the Spaniard ultimately stayed put at his current club.

The defender’s contract runs until 2025, but the report claims that he will sit down with his representatives at the end of the current campaign to discuss his future.

The player is said to have a release clause in his current contract, which is believed to be set at around £26.5 million.

Valladolid reportedly hope to start a bidding war for the player, amid interest from several clubs.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has started Ben White as a makeshift right-back for 22 of their 23 league matches so far this season, with Takehiro Tomiyasu his other option.

The Gunners allowed Cedric Soares to join Fulham on loan last month, and it remains unclear whether he has a future with his parent club.