Player ‘approaches Chelsea’ – Move to the Blues seen as much likelier after development

Three days ago, we covered claims from the Catalan press that Chelsea are best placed to sign Real Valladolid’s Iván Fresneda. It was also stated the right-back’s priority is to join Barcelona and he’ll wait until this week for their decision.

Xavi Hernández has asked the La Liga side to strengthen their right-back position and they are expected to please the manager by bringing Manchester City’s João Cancelo to the Camp Nou.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who add Barca have now said ‘no’ to Fresneda. This would certainly please Chelsea.

The 19-year-old wanted to know if the Blaugrana are interested in signing him. Barca’s initial idea was to buy and immediately send him out on loan elsewhere, but they have changed their stance.

It’s said the Spain U19 international was told that he will not join Barcelona this summer.

The newspaper further adds Barca’s decision means the defender now has ‘many chances to end up’ joining Chelsea.

Fresneda has a €20m release clause but the report states he could leave Real Valladolid for €10m.

Online, Mundo Deportivo further state the fullback now ‘approaches Cheslea’ after Barca decided not to sign him.