Arsenal’s interest in Iván Fresneda has resurfaced in Portugal, just as Sporting move to protect a player whose status has changed dramatically over the past year.
The Gunners followed the right-back closely last season and had him on their shortlist for the position. At one stage, reports in Portugal even suggested Arsenal’s scouts had collected “excellent notes” on him.
A lot has happened since then. Fresneda is now 22, has established himself as one of Sporting’s important players and has just received his first call-up to Spain’s senior squad.
Fresneda is yet to feature during this international break, having stayed on the bench in the 4-1 win over Croatia before being left out of the squad against England, and it’s unclear whether he will be involved against Czechia on Saturday or Croatia again next Tuesday.
Either way, being inside the squad that just won the World Cup appears to have got the transfer wheels turning again.
Arsenal interest returns after Spain call
Wednesday’s edition of Correio da Manhã reports that Fresneda’s first Spain call-up has increased his standing in the market. According to the newspaper, several clubs are interested in the defender, with Arsenal and Barcelona specifically named.
For Arsenal, this is really a continuation of a story which started some time ago. But as Fresneda remained in Lisbon, his value to Sporting has only rose.
Correio da Manhã then say Sporting president Frederico Varandas recognises Fresneda’s growing importance and is reacting to the attention from abroad. Sporting have therefore decided to speed up negotiations over a new contract.
His current deal runs until June 2028, so there is no immediate contract problem. This appears much more about rewarding his progress and strengthening Sporting’s position before interested clubs make their moves.
Captaincy calling
His standing inside the dressing room has changed as well. Back in June, reports in Portugal explained that Fresneda had entered a small group of players viewed as potential future captains.
Correio da Manhã now say he has moved up Sporting’s captaincy hierarchy and carries considerably more weight within the squad. And at 22, that’s quite a thing.
In the end, Sporting’s response to the whole context is telling. Instead of waiting to see how much further Fresneda’s stock can rise, they’re already trying to get that new contract sorted. Arsenal may face larger figures next time they knock.
