Barcelona are reportedly nearing an agreement with Real Valladolid to sign in-demand teenager Ivan Fresneda.
The 18-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from his current side during the January transfer window, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United all said to be keen.
Fresneda enjoyed a breakthrough 2022-23 campaign for Real Valladolid, featuring on 24 occasions in all competitions, with 22 of those appearances coming in Spain's top flight.
The White and Violets finished 18th in La Liga last term, which has seen them relegated back to the second tier of Spanish football, and Fresneda is preparing to leave this summer.
According to Marca, despite firm competition from Arsenal, Barcelona are currently at the head of the queue for the Spaniard, with a deal to take him to Camp Nou thought to be close to being agreed.
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The report claims that new Barcelona sporting director Deco met with the youngster on Thursday to discuss a move to the Catalan giants during the summer market.
However, there is still thought to be an issue when it comes to the fee, as Fresneda has a €20m (£17m) release clause in his contract, and Barcelona are currently only prepared to pay €10m (£8.5m).
Fresneda was left on the bench in the aftermath of the January transfer window amid suggestions that the speculation surrounding his future had harmed his form.
However, the Spaniard regained his position in the side at the start of March and demonstrated his versatility by operating as a centre-back and midfielder, in addition to his usual spot at right-back.
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Barcelona have already made two signings during the summer window, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City and Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao, with the duo arriving on free transfers.
The Catalan outfit remain active in the market but are working to a strict budget due to their financial problems, which is allegedly why they are not prepared to meet Fresneda's buy-out fee.
Jules Kounde spent much of last season as Barcelona's right-back despite being signed as a central defender.
Sergi Roberto is also an option in that area of the field, while Sergino Dest is back at Camp Nou following a loan spell at AC Milan, although the latter is not believed to be in Xavi's plans moving forward.
Barcelona also remain interested in signing another central midfielder, and it is believed that they are considering a move for Girona's Oriol Romeu, who started his career at Camp Nou.
Matt Law
