Arsenal in pole position to land Spanish wonderkid

Arsenal are reportedly favourites to sign Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda during the summer transfer window.

The Gunners were hot of the trail of the Spaniard in January, but they could not finalise a suitable fee with the La Liga outfit.

They are prepared to try again in the summer and Gazzetta dello Sport claim that they are leading the race to secure his services.

Juventus have also been following the youngster this season, but the Serie A outfit don't have the finances to compete with Arsenal.

The Bianconeri were recently docked 15 points for financial fraud and they will have to balance their books during the summer.

Hence, they are not willing to trigger the €30m release clause in Fresneda's deal and Arsenal are now front-runners to sign him.

Aside from the Gunners, Newcastle United are carefully monitoring him, though they are unlikely to persuade the youngster.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury woes at Arsenal this season, Fresneda could be a potential long-term replacement for him.