‘Leading the race’ - Arsenal tipped to beat Premier League rivals to signing of ‘fantastic’ La Liga star

Arsenal are “leading the race” to sign Ivan Fresneda, with Newcastle also said to be interested, according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Gunners sit at the summit of the Premier League, some five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta’s side have been busy in the winter transfer window, trying to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Despite missing out on their primary transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk, the club have signed Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and Spezia’s Jakub Kiwior in the past week.

With just days remaining of the January window, the Gunners appear to be closing in on their third winter signing - Real Valladolid’s right-back Fresneda.

Arsenal in pole position for Fresneda

Sky Sports reporter Di Marzio claimed Arsenal are leading the race to sign Fresneda.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Transfer Show the journalist said: “Fresneda is a very, very good player of Real Valladolid in Spain.

“Arsenal are leading the race, Newcastle [are also interested], but Arsenal are leading the race for Fresneda.”

Last week, The Athletic claimed that both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund had reached a €15million (£13.2million) agreement for the 18-year-old, who has starred in a struggling Valladolid side this term.

The Spanish club are currently 18th in La Liga and one of the division’s lowest-scoring teams. However, the full-back has often proven to be their source of creativity, averaging 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes.

Fresneda also attempts two dribbles per 90, which is more than any other Valladolid defender. Meanwhile, with an average of 3.4 tackles per 90, he is one of the top tacklers in La Liga this term.

Valladolid manager Rojo Martin admitted earlier in the month that Fresneda was likely to leave the Pucela this window.

He explained via Tutto Mercato: “Fresneda will be sold. Ivan is 18 and does things for a 30-year-old.

“They wouldn’t buy today’s Fresneda, but what it could become in 4 years. If I had a club, I would have no doubts. I put myself in the shoes of another coach who needs a right-back, it’s obvious that I’m betting on Fresneda.

“If I watch the match against Real Madrid, or any other match, I see a fantastic product to buy. Furthermore, today we are inundated with statistics from all over the world and Fresneda’s ones are crazy.

“All these characteristics make me doubt if I can keep him here I’d like to, but I know the needs of the club.”