The eminent Catalan club, Barcelona, is on the verge of securing Ivan Fresneda, the standout right-back from Real Valladolid, sources close to the situation divulge. However, the agreement hinges on Barcelona's ability to generate sufficient salary cap space.
18-year-old Fresneda had previously been linked with Germany's Borussia Dortmund. However, Barcelona's overtures reportedly altered the trajectory of the Spain youth international's summer plans.
A five-year contract is under active discussion between Barcelona and Fresneda's camp, with the club optimistic about striking a deal with Valladolid - a team recently demoted to Spain's second division. The release clause for Fresneda is set at €20 million ($21.7m). However, Barcelona is banking on landing the transfer for roughly half that amount.
Earlier this year, Dortmund and Arsenal both expressed interest in Fresneda, following his notable season in LaLiga with Valladolid. Barcelona's President Joan Laporta's rapport with the player's agent, Fali Ramadani, has given Barcelona an upper hand in the race for Fresneda's signature.
Regardless of the apparent advances, Barcelona's financial maneuvering is impeded by their breach of LaLiga's imposed spending limit. The club is obligated to use only 50% of any savings or raised funds and must offload some current players to finalize additional transfers.
The club has recently welcomed Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent from Manchester City, and the acquisition of Inigo Martinez, whose contract with Athletic Club has expired, is poised to be announced soon.
Barcelona is also reportedly in advanced discussions with Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, and Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu is touted as the top prospect to replace Sergio Busquets.
Fresneda's potential arrival at Barcelona could be expedited by the exit of Sergino Dest, who spent the previous season on loan at AC Milan. The future of the American defender at Barcelona is uncertain, with Dest open to extending his stay, while the club seems inclined towards a transfer.
The first-choice right-back for Barcelona last season was France's Jules Kounde, who favors a central position in the back four. Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde have also made appearances on the right side of the defense.
Meanwhile, the young Fresneda has a golden opportunity to seize the right-back position at Barcelona if he can swiftly enhance his performance, thereby convincing the club's hierarchy of his long-term potential.
The competition for Fresneda has also intensified with reports of a €10m bid from AC Milan. The Italian club's move has reportedly prompted Barcelona to expedite negotiations, with a meeting scheduled next week to discuss terms with Fresneda and his representatives.
