Arsenal made the decision to scrap a ‘very close’ transfer as Arteta prioritized a swoop for a £38m alternative
Ivan Fresneda, a defender for Real Valladolid, was passed over by Arsenal in favor of Jurrien Timber, it has been claimed, because the club wanted to recruit a “proven” player.
During the January transfer window, Fresneda was frequently associated with Arsenal. Following the 18-year-old’s breakthrough season for the La Liga team during the 2022–23 season, this occurred.
The right-back played 26 times for Real Valladolid last season, and Borussia Dortmund of the Bundesliga kept an eye on him earlier this year.
Prior to this summer, Arsenal made the decision to part ways with Fresneda and opted to pursue Timber, a former Man Utd target.
Arsenal raced in to sign the Dutch international this summer before their Premier League rivals, Man Utd and Liverpool, who were the early favorites to get him.
Timber was chosen by Arsenal because he is “established on the world scene,” according to TEAMtalk’s Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts.
Fresneda was very close to joining in January, but they decided against it, according to Watts, who spoke to TEAMtalk. The two of them agreed that it would probably be best for him to finish the season in Spain. The matter was ignored.
“There was a time when I believed it was probably going to happen. And they’ve only recently switched to new targets this summer.
“I believe they have likely considered the fact that they are in the Champions League and that they must compete strongly in the upcoming season. He is a gifted young full-back in his teen years, but what they really need is someone a little more experienced like Timber, who has made a name for himself internationally.
They must field a team that can contend for the Premier League and the Champions League.
In a friendly match this week against an MLS All-Stars club, Watts believes Timber excelled and demonstrated “exactly why Arsenal looked to get him.”
When Timber came on against the All-Stars on Wednesday night, Watts said, “Timber was quite impressive.”
In terms of what he’s going to offer, not just to the right side, but also the center portions of the pitch, he gave a genuine example in about half an hour of why Arsenal had tried to obtain him.
While Arsenal occasionally signs Fresneda, this time they went for the slightly more seasoned candidate since Timber was more established and would immediately improve the squad.