Arteta favourite set for summer exit as Arsenal return for long-term transfer target

Arsenal could go back in for a former transfer target this summer in a deal that may spell the end for one of the long-term favourites of Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.

The Gunners are already assessing plans for the summer in the hopes that they will end the season as Premier League champions despite an unconvincing run of form.

Arsenal’s nervy run, which has seen them win just two of their last seven league matches, has led to considerations over the future of some of their fringe players as Arteta looks to continue his ruthless squad building.

Consequently, Ben White is among those that could be sold this summer, with the 28-year-old having only featured in seven league matches this season.

White’s departure could pave the way for a new signing at right-back and TEAMtalk have claimed that Ivan Fresneda has been ‘watched closely’ as a potential option by the Gunners.

Fresneda has impressed this season for Sporting Lisbon, having been strongly linked to Arsenal while at his former club Real Valladolid before he joined the Portuguese outfit in 2023 for €9 million.

Man City join Premier League rivals as threat to Arsenal for Fresneda

Fresneda has established himself as Sporting’s starting right-back this season after a number of campaigns as a backup, with the 21-year-old’s pace considered his standout attribute.

Arsenal are said to be among half-a-dozen Premier League clubs who have watched Fresneda in recent weeks, with teams such as Newcastle taking interest after also scouting the Spaniard during his time with Valladolid.

Fresneda is seen as a potential fit for Arteta’s evolving squad and could be available for a reasonable fee as he enters the final two years of his contract.

However, Manchester City are believed to be strong rivals to Arsenal and they could have the edge in the race, with club director Hugo Viana having brought Fresneda to Sporting previously and still admiring the youngster.

Much will depend on White’s future as well as Sporting’s demands for Fresneda, with a right-back not considered Arsenal’s highest priority of the summer despite their desire to add depth in defence.

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