Chelsea are interested in signing Real Valladolid fullback Ivan Fresneda, according to ESPN.
The website claim that the Spaniard may only cost around €8m (£6.8m) to €10m (£8.5m) but they do face competition from Barcelona to secure his signature. With captain Reece James set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, it looks as though the Blues are targeting a possible replacement and fans on X are very much backing a move for Fresneda:
Let’s cook. Proper RB
— kiments (@kiments) August 18, 2023
oh wow this is the signing we have been holding out for, huge if we get it done!
— At The Bridge Pod ⭐️⭐️ (@AtTheBridgePod) August 18, 2023
Good. We absolutely need 3 RB’s because Reece unfortunately can’t be trusted with his injuries.
— Chelshqs_cfc (@chelshqs_cfc) August 18, 2023
He is good
— Sri Nivas (@nivas_is_Blue) August 18, 2023
wait whattt
this is the best wonderkid I’ve ever seen😭— _pRaizGaming_ (@da_y0__) August 18, 2023
Another Rb.
Good news— Ｋａy 🎈✨ (@_kquame) August 18, 2023
This will be a quality signing
— Avroneel Biswas (@AvroneelBiswas) August 18, 2023
Fresneda has prioritised Barca
ESPN claim that the 18-year-old gave his approval to a move to the La Liga champions a few weeks ago, but the Spanish club has so far not made a decision on whether they want to sign him.
It is believed that manager Xavi wants a more experienced player, such as Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, rather than Fresneda, so Chelsea may still have a chance of beating Barca in the race for the right-back.
Chelsea could have competition from other teams to worry about
Mauricio Pochettino’s side and Barcelona are not the only clubs who are keen on signing Fresneda. Arsenal have registered their interest in the past and they could revive their pursuit following the injury sustained by Jurrien Timber.
West Ham have also considered making an offer this summer, along with a trio of Portuguese clubs: Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Benfica.
