Arsenal in loan bid to sign Ivan Fresneda

A long-term injury to Jurrien Timber has forced Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to consult with director of football Edu and consider other defensive alternatives to the Dutchman. Timber suffered an injury on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest, and his ACL issue will likely keep him out of action for close to 9 months. Arsenal have now decided to make a loan approach for Spanish full-back Ivan Fresneda.

Fresneda is primarily a right-back, and is currently valued by his club Real Valladolid at around 15 million euros. La Liga giants Barcelona are in pole position to sign the defender, but Arsenal could trump the Catalan club with a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent deal. It is understood Arsenal are willing to pay £3 million for Fresneda, and pay £20 million next season if the defender impresses.

The Gunners do have strength in depth, as Takehiro Tomiyasu is able to play on the left or right side of defence, but Arteta has insisted that he needs strength in depth to mount a serious Premier League title challenge this season.