Barcelona join Arsenal in race for coveted right-back

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Arsenal's long-standing interest in Ivan Fresneda could face fresh competition, with Barcelona reportedly joining the race to sign the young right-back at the end of the season.

Fresneda first caught the eye as a teenage talent at Real Valladolid before moving to Sporting Club in Portugal to continue his development. His performances there have kept him firmly on the radar of several top European clubs, with Arsenal among those said to have tracked him for some time.

Arsenal's long-term admiration

According to the report, Arsenal have admired Fresneda for a long time and view him as one of the most promising young right-backs in Europe. The Gunners are understood to have kept him on their list of potential targets even during spells when they were not actively pursuing a deal.

His continued progress in Portugal could encourage Arsenal to revisit their interest more seriously. Sporting are reportedly expected to sell him at the end of the season, which could open the door for a move.

However, Arsenal are no longer alone in their pursuit. Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona are also considering Fresneda as they assess their options at right-back, with their interest potentially growing depending on developments elsewhere in their squad.

Kounde situation adds another layer

Barcelona have reportedly opened the door to Jules Kounde leaving the club. Should the Frenchman depart, Fresneda is said to be among the names being considered as a replacement, which would add further intrigue to Arsenal's own interest in the Spanish full-back.

Kounde himself is a player admired by Arsenal, and the club could explore a move for him should Barcelona decide to sell and bring in a replacement. That would leave Arsenal potentially weighing up two separate defensive targets depending on how Barcelona's transfer business unfolds.

Fresneda remains viewed as more of a long-term option given his age and development path, while Kounde would represent a more immediate, experienced addition if he were to become available.

Much of how this situation develops will depend on decisions made by both Barcelona and Sporting over the coming months. Arsenal will need to monitor the right-back market closely as they assess their priorities heading into next season.