Report: Chelsea Take €10m Pole Position as Barcelona Hesitate | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Real Valladolid’s Fresneda Amid Barcelona’s Hesitation

Real Valladolid’s Prodigy in Demand

Chelsea are reportedly zooming in on the services of Real Valladolid’s right-back Ivan Fresneda. This young football sensation, merely 18, has the rumour mills churning after Valladolid’s unfortunate relegation from LaLiga. The question on everyone’s mind: Where will Fresneda land next?

Barcelona’s Indecision Might be Chelsea’s Gain

While the player himself fancies a move to the Catalan titans, it seems that the wait continues. Not only have Barcelona withheld an official offer, but their management seems to be in two minds. Xavi, at the helm of Barcelona, leans towards roping in the experience and prowess of Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo. There’s been a buzz around former Tottenham ace Juan Foyth, but Villarreal’s pricing is turning out to be a hurdle too high for a Nou Camp entry.

Interestingly, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has his gaze set on Fresneda. He views him as the perfect solution for Barcelona’s long-term plans, especially given their full-back conundrum. But, as it stands, financial complexities continue to cloud Barcelona’s decisions – a narrative that has dominated their discourse for the better part of a year.

This delay, coupled with indecision, offers Chelsea a golden opportunity to sweep in. They are keenly watching over Fresneda’s developments and are ready to make their move, should the youngster show a hint of interest.

It’s worth noting that Portuguese powerhouses – Benfica, Porto, and Sporting Lisbon – are in the periphery, hoping to swoop in.

Chelsea’s Position

Real Valladolid’s price tag of €8-10m (£6.3-8.5m) for Fresneda is hardly a hiccup for Chelsea, especially in light of their recent generous splurges. Their heightened interest also stems from an injury blow to their captain, Reece James.

James has been beleaguered by fitness concerns, the latest being a hamstring issue during a training session. Though Chelsea’s management downplays the severity of this setback, James’ frequent brushes with injuries have been a consistent worry. Chelsea’s Mauricio Pochettino remains optimistic, asserting that James would be back in action in a matter of weeks.

As it stands, Chelsea have Malo Gusto, the promising French defender, as the immediate cover for James. Chelsea fans can anticipate Gusto making his debut in the upcoming clash with West Ham.Ivan Fresneda’s future remains the talking point of the football fraternity. With Real Valladolid facing the brunt of relegation and Barcelona juggling their preferences, Chelsea might just find themselves in the right place at the right time. As reported by the Daily Mail, the coming weeks will undoubtedly shed more light on where this talented full-back will hang his boots next.