Chelsea have joined Barcelona in the race for Real Valladolid’s Iván Fresneda, according to a ‘confidential’ report from today’s Sport.
The Catalan club have included the 18-year-old in their target list after Xavi Hernández requested a new right-back. Deals for other targets haven’t yet materialised, which has encouraged them to make an approach for the youngster.
Barcelona have already made an offer of €10m plus €5m in bonuses and believe this is enough.
It’s claimed the Blaugrana may have to step up because Chelsea have ‘entered the bidding’ for the young defender in recent days.
The newspaper states the Blues are convinced he could be an important player for them in the future. Therefore, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will make an offer to both Fresneda and Real Valladolid, after which the latter two have to make a decision.
Sport say Fresneda is prioritising a move to the Camp Nou after Barcelona director Deco made it clear to his entourage that they will sign him.
However, the Spanish giants are also trying to sign other experienced right-backs and this has caused concerns to the Real Valladolid player and his camp.
Should Fresneda join Chelsea, he’s unlikely to be a starter as they currently have Reece James and Malo Gusto as the two right-backs in the squad.
