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Arsenal may fast-track pursuit of long-term target Ivan Fresneda after struggles under Ruben Amorim
Deepa Krishnaswamy | June 17, 2026 8:24 AM CST

Arsenal are gearing up for an ambitious transfer window as they aim to strengthen their squad following their Premier League title triumph, once again going head-to-head with Manchester City.


Under Mikel Arteta, the North London side enjoyed their most successful campaign yet, and they are expected to remain active in the upcoming summer market to build on that momentum.


After finally clinching the Premier League crown on Arteta’s fourth attempt and reaching a rare Champions League final, Arsenal fell just short in Europe, losing to PSG. Nevertheless, a promising transfer window now awaits, with the Gunners reportedly eyeing a move for a full-back previously underutilised by former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.


According to a report from Sport Witness, Arsenal are considering a move for Ivan Fresneda, one of the most coveted young full-backs in European football.


The Spanish defender first made his mark at Real Valladolid in La Liga before joining Sporting Lisbon in 2023. His current release clause stands at €80 million, and the Primeira Liga club are said to view him as untouchable.


Despite that stance, the 21-year-old — a long-standing Arsenal target also admired by Newcastle United — continues to draw significant attention from across Europe, which could prompt Sporting Lisbon to reconsider their position.


Fresneda initially struggled to find his footing under Ruben Amorim, making only 10 appearances during his debut season in 2023. However, his fortunes shifted following the arrival of Rui Borges, who recognised the youngster’s potential, made tactical adjustments, and helped him improve mentally and technically.


This season, Fresneda emerged as one of Sporting Lisbon’s standout performers in the Champions League, particularly impressing in their clash against eventual champions PSG.


In that remarkable 2-1 victory over the French giants, the 21-year-old covered 11 kilometres and registered nine defensive actions, showcasing his energy and defensive awareness.


While it might be speculative to suggest that Mikel Arteta’s renewed interest stems directly from that performance, it certainly highlighted Fresneda’s ability to shine on the biggest stage. With PSG expected to remain dominant in Europe for the foreseeable future, Arteta could see the acquisition of a player who has already helped defeat the French champions — and who is also on the radar of Arsenal’s domestic rivals — as a move too logical to ignore.


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