Barcelona sporting director Deco meets with Ivan Fresneda’s agent

Barcelona manager Xavi reiterated his desire to strengthen the right-back position for the club in his press-conference on Thursday. And it seems the club’s hierarchy are working to ensure the manager gets his man.

As per Mundo Deportivo, Deco met with the agents of Iván Fresneda. The 18-year-old Spanish defender is also being tracked by AC Milan, and no agreement has been reached between Barca and his current club Valladolid.

As we reported yesterday, Monaco right-back Vanderson has reportedly decided to stay in France for another year, in order to facilitate a move to the Camp Nou next season. The Blaugrana are unable to complete that deal this summer due to the financial fair play regulations. It’s expected that Vanderson will cost around €30 million.

Barcelona interested in Fresneda

The meeting between Barca Sporting Director Deco and agent Raul Verdú was designed to formally advise Fresneda of the Catalan club’s interest.

The report in Mundo Deportivo indicated that no offer was likely to be made anytime soon, but that the young right-back is hoping to continue his playing career in La Liga.

Along with AC Milan, there has been reported interest from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and London club Arsenal.

Right-back continues to be a problem area for the La Liga champions with Jules Kounde filling in there last year. The centre-back did a fine job, but Xavi is looking for a natural to play the position.

Sergino Dest is back with Barcelona after a loan spell with AC Milan last season, but the USMNT international has struggled for form recently and is expected to leave this Summer.

Barca do have a number of players who can fill that right-back position, with Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto and Julián Araujo joining Kounde. But it’s clearly an area destined for an upgrade.

Fresneda has been capped at the international level at the U18, U19 and U20 level, and broke into the Valladolid first-team last season.

Fresneda has developed a reputation for being a strong tackler with outstanding instincts for a player so young, he closes down space quickly and shows a willingness to get forward. An ideal candidate for Xavi’s system which asks it’s fullbacks to hug the line and get into the final third.

If Barca were to sign Fresneda this summer, reports indicate they’d still look to bring the Brazilian Vanderson into the squad never summer to create depth and competition.