Fabrizio Romano confirms Portuguese giants have trumped Chelsea to talented right-back

Fabrizio Romano reveals Ivan Fresneda will join Sporting CP amid Chelsea interest

According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Chelsea target Iván Fresneda has areed to join Portuguese club Sporting CP in a deal worth €9 million plus €3 million in add-ons. Fresneda, who has emerged as a highly-rated right-back, has attracted interest from many European clubs and will now be joining Sporting.

The Blues expressed interest in signing the Spanish right-back following the injury to Reece James. Barcelona were also keen on signing the youngster, but both clubs seem to have lost the race.

James was expected to remain sidelined for weeks after picking up a hamstring injury, but the latest reports claim the right-back will be out of action for a month. Last season as well, the 23-year-old spent most of the campaign on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, and Chelsea fear the England international is becoming injury-prone.

This could force the Blues to look for another right-back despite having Malo Gusto. Gusto, who has been signed as James backup, has been decent and was impressive in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Luton Town on Friday.

For the 18-year-old Fresneda to develop more readily at Sporting, it will be best for him to join a club with a less competitive atmosphere. Joining a Portuguese club seems like a wise decision for him before making the step up to a genuine European giants.

Had Chelsea signed him it might have had to wait for his chance to show his credentials as he might have been the third option for the right-back position which could hinder his development at the club.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea staff set to block Conor Gallagher exit following exodus of local talents
• Mauricio Pochettino lauds Chelsea star Raheem Sterling for match winning performance vs Luton Town
• Chelsea target and Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is on his way to Monaco after agreeing a deal

Malo Gusto, who has already contributed two assists for the Blues this season, has stepped up admirably as Reece James’ backup for the Blues. However, Chelsea will undoubtedly monitor the Spanish left-back’s development at Sporting and perhaps even make an offer in the future.