Arsenal can solve Mikel Arteta dilemma with deal for Ivan Fresneda after Ben White claim made

Arsenal could solve a reported Mikel Arteta dilemma by signing Ivan Fresneda from Real Valladolid this summer.

The 18-year-old Spain youth international was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in January, with Arsenal submitting a £13 million bid in the last days of the transfer window.

But Fresneda turned down approaches from the Gunners and Borussia Dortmund in order to stay with Valladolid.

He could not help them avoid relegation from La Liga, however, with the club's fate confirmed after a 0-0 draw to Getafe on the final day of the season.

Spanish outlet Relevo claim that Fresneda's release clause had risen to €40 million as a result of playing in the fixture, due to a variable in his contract that would increase the clause if he featured in 22 league games this season.

But the same report claims the clause has now halved as a result of Valladolid's drop to the second tier, which may re-ignite Arsenal's interest.

And a move for the Spaniard could create a major boost for Arteta.

How Fresneda can solve Arsenal dilemma

Throughout the 2022/23 campaign, Arteta moved Ben White from centre-back to right-back, with the England international transitioning into a back three when required when Arsenal were defending.

It was a role he kept for the entire campaign ahead of Takehiro Tomiyasu, although the Japan defender missed the final two months of the campaign and the end of pre-season through injury.

According to The Sun's Mark Irwin, who carries a report of Arsenal's renewed interest in Fresneda, White proved to be a 'surprise success' through his switch to full-back, although Arteta is said to be 'unsure' if his long-term future remains in the position.

The 25-year-old is a natural centre-back, and played in the position throughout spells at Newport, Peterborough, Leeds, Brighton and his first season at Arsenal.

Signing Fresneda would provide competition on the right side of defence for Tomiyasu, and potentially allow Arteta to move White back into central defence to provide competition for William Saliba and Gabriel instead of signing a new centre-back.

Such a decision may allow Arsenal to commit more money towards a new midfielder, with the Daily Mail claiming the club will launch a £90 million bid for West Ham star Declan Rice after the Hammers contest the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on Wednesday.