Arsenal set to miss out with target likely to stay put in Spain

Arsenal were beaten by Manchester City on Friday as they two sides faced each other for the first time this season. 

The Gunners currently hold a five-point lead over City in the Premier League, but it was Pep Guardiola’s side who progressed to the next round of the FA Cup following a 1-0 fourth round win at The Etihad.

Arsenal look set to be busy during the final hours of the January transfer window, with the north London club having been heavily linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Despite reported interest in the Ecuador international, it appears that one of Arsenal’s other targets will not be arriving at the club.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Real Valladolid full-back Ivan Fresneda is expected to stay put in Spain at least until this summer.

The Spaniard had been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, while German side Borussia Dortmund were also said to be interested, but Romano claims that he will remain a Valladolid player.

Arsenal were believed to be in the market for a right-back to bolster their options ahead of a crucial second-half of the season.

Fresneda is expected to stay with Valladolid until the end of the season

So far this term, Ben White has primarily been used on the right of defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu has provided cover for the England international.

Fresneda, 18, made his debut for Valladolid last season having graduated from the Spanish side’s academy, and he has been used regularly so far this term.

The teenager has made 12 appearances across all competitions, including ten La Liga matches.

He has also been capped by Spain at both under-18 and under-19 level, making four appearances for the latter so far.

While the player isn’t expected to leave his current side this month, Romano claims that the player could be lined up for a move to a big European club this summer.