Sources: Arsenal pull plug on Fresneda deal as new Cancelo details emerge
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda as they are targeting a more experienced right-back, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners have a strong interest in Man City’s Joao Cancelo and are also keeping close tabs on Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne.
He is seen as a cheaper alternative if they can’t land new first choice Cancelo.
Arsenal pursued Fresneda in January and came close to agreeing a deal before talks collapsed late in the window.
They made a new move for him this summer but negotiations have now come to an end while they pursue Cancelo and Castagne.
Arsenal are admirers of the Man City outcast.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (10 June) that the 29-year-old has been told his time at the Etihad Stadium is over following a high-profile bust-up with Pep Guardiola.
It is believed Bayern Munich will not activate the buy option they negotiated as part of the deal to bring him in on loan in January.
Cancelo, who is under contract at Man City until June 2027, has won three league titles, two League Cups and a Champions League since joining the club in 2019.
He also helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title during his spell in Germany, notching one goal and six assists in 21 appearances for the club.
The Portugal international started the 2022-23 campaign as a regular starter for Man City – but fell out of favour following his dismal showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows Cancelo from their brief time together at Man City – and is looking to add a new full-back in the summer.
In other news, Arsenal agree terms with West Ham star.