Edu set for Arsenal talks to sign "beastly" £8.8m gem, he could be a dream White heir - opinion

An update has emerged on Arsenal and their pursuit of right-back Ivan Fresneda during the January transfer window…

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners have now edged ahead of their Premier League rivals Newcastle United in the race to land the gem’s signature.

The report claims that the club are set to hold talks with the player’s representatives in London next week as Edu attempts to secure another addition for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Leandro Trossard became the first signing of the month earlier this week and centre-back Jakub Kiwior looks set to join him, whilst Fresneda could be the third for a fee of £8.8m.

Edu could land Arteta a dream heir to Ben White’s position in the team at right-back by beating Newcastle to the signing of the Spanish defender this month.

The current Gunners enforcer has been in fantastic form in the Premier League for Arsenal this season whilst playing at full-back, away from his more natural position at centre-back.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.06 across 18 appearances in the top-flight, whilst providing two assists and making 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match, and has proven his quality in the division by performing to a high level on a consistent basis.

Only seven other players with at least one Premier League start have averaged a higher score than White within the Arsenal squad and this illustrates his importance to the side.

Fresneda, who is seven years younger than the England international, could come in as the long-term successor in that position as the gem has been in fine form for Real Valladolid this season.

The defender, who journalist Juan Arroita claimed has a “beastly ability” to put crosses in, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 across nine outings in La Liga this term.

Despite only turning 18 in September of 2022, the teenager has caught the eye with some stunning performances in the Spanish top-flight – creating two ‘big chances’ and making an impressive 4.6 tackles and interceptions per outing.

The dynamo, at his young age, has shown that he can perform consistently to a high level in a major European league and his defensive statistics indicate that he may as also end up being an upgrade on White from a defensive perspective, if the warrior can translate his form over to the Premier League.

Therefore, Edu could land a dream future heir to the 25-year-old Arsenal talent by striking an £8.8m deal to sign Fresneda in the coming days.