Arsenal close to signing Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda

Arsenal are on the verge of completing their second incoming transfer this month, with Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda close to joining the Gunners, according to PucelaNews.

The impressive 18-year-old will be the second player to join the Premier League pacesetters after Leandro Trossard completed his £27 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Gunners want to add depth to the right-back position, especially with out-of-favour Cedric Soares in talks to join Fulham after falling behind Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White in the pecking order.

Arsenal will pay an initial €20m fee with an additional €5m to come in add-ons. It is unclear if the youngster will join Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad or stay in Spain until the end of the season.

Fresneda has established himself as a key player at Valladolid, and keeping him on loan for the remainder of the campaign will be more beneficial to the La Liga side as they are facing a fight to retain top-flight status.

Arsenal have fought off interest from several clubs, including Premier League duo Everton and Newcastle United, who were linked with the youngster.

Fresneda made his senior debut about a year ago after coming through the youth ranks at Valladolid, and Spanish giants Real Madrid were also reportedly interested.

However, It is understood that the Gunners’ boss Arteta played a huge part in convincing him to choose the Emirates Stadium amidst interest from others.

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Poland international defender Jakub Kiwior from Serie A side Spezia for a fee of around €25m.

Arsenal will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates in what is sure to be a frantic showdown.