Chelsea and Barcelona set to battle for Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda
According to ESPN, Chelsea have now joined Barcelona in the race for highly rated right-back Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid, who is waiting for the Catalan giants to make a move.
The youngster has agreed to join Barcelona, but the La Liga winners are yet to decide whether to sign him or not, as they are also closing in on the signing of Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
However, manager Xavi Hernández is opting for a move for Cancelo as he wants to add more experience to the squad, while sporting director Deco wants Fresneda as he feels the Spanish player will be a long-term option for Barcelona.
Barcelona earlier wanted Juan Foyth, but Villarreal’s massive demand forced them to look elsewhere. Short on right-back, Ronald Araujo played as a right-back in Barcelona’s 0-0 draw against Getafe and picked up an injury that will see him remain on the sidelines for a month.
Hence, they would be in the market for a new right-back. Considering they have a shortage of players in that position, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if they chase Fresneda even if they sign Cancelo.
Meanwhile, an injury to Reece James has forced Chelsea to once again look for a right-back in the market, and the 23-year-old is expected to be out for a month. The Blues have been tracking the right-back and will be open to paying him between €8 and €10 million in transfer fees.
Our right-back area could become congested if we sign Fresneda because we already have James’ backup in Malo Gusto. Why did we invest in him if we don’t trust the Frenchman at a time like this? Fresneda would be senseless spending.
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Barcelona also allow him to stay close to home and have a realistic chance at playing in the absence of a natural right-back at the club. We can, of course, try to sway him and offer a lucrative deal… but why? Trust Gusto and wait for our captain to return.