Chelsea ‘ready’ to bamboozle Barcelona with last-minute bid for Arsenal linked LaLiga sensation | OneFootball

Chelsea linked Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda

Chelsea are reportedly considering a last-minute hijack of Barcelona’s move for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, who has previously been linked with Arsenal.

The Catalans have been the favourites to seal a deal for the 18-year-old for some time but negotiations have allegedly come to a standstill, which could open the door for rival offers.

As previously reported by Football365, Arsenal strongly considered signing Fresneda but Mikel Arteta ultimately opted to bring in Jurrien Timber, as he was considered to be a more ‘established’ option.

Fresneda is still considered to be one of the most promising young full-backs in Europe, though, so it would be a major coup if Chelsea can get a deal over the line.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Chelsea is a ‘serious option’ for Fresneda, with the London club ‘ready’ to make an offer for him in ‘the next few days.’ That will only be possible if Barcelona do fail to bring him in, though.

The defender secured his spot in the Real Valladolid first team last season, making 22 LaLiga appearances. His performances have evidently caught the attention of several top European clubs.

As per the report, Barcelona have made an offer of €10m plus €5m (£8.6m plus £4.3m) for Fresneda. This has fallen short of Valladolid’s expectations and they are waiting for an improved bid.

If that fails to arrive, Chelsea could make their own offer for Fresneda and his price tag isn’t expected to be a problem for them.

Mauricio Pochettino has already brought in some exciting players this summer as he looks to help the Blues bounce back from a dismal 2022/23 campaign.

Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi and Robert Sanchez are four solid additions, for example.

Pochettino also seems to be focusing on signing young talents too, though, with Angelo (18) and Lesley Ugochukwu (19) joining Chelsea.

With that in mind, a move for Fresneda would fit with Pochettino’s transfer strategy. There is no guarantee that the Spaniard would agree to sign for the Blues, though.

It’s no secret that Fresneda wants to play first-team football and Chelsea already have Reece James and Malo Gusto who can play as right-backs.

As a result, he could find it difficult to break into Pochettino’s starting XI and Chelsea may even consider loaning him out if they do beat Barcelona to his signature.

Nevertheless, with Chelsea ‘ready’ to make a bid for the defender, Fresneda is certainly a player for Blues fans to keep an eye on over the next few days.