Arsenal in four-way battle with Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Newcastle United to sign Ivan Fresneda – Paper Round

Europe’s top clubs chase Spanish wonderkid

Arsenal are ready to reignite their pursuit of Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda this summer after being forced to turn to alternative targets in the winter transfer window. The Gunners ended up signing Leandro Trossard and Jorginho in January, while Fresneda stayed in Spain. The Gunners are planning to sign the 18-year-old ahead of next season, but now face fierce competition from three of Europe’s top clubs.

“Fresneda has a release clause of £26.5million in his contract and Valladolid will hope to spark a bidding war which means they can get close to that amount.

“Arsenal have been scouting Fresneda and will continue to monitor him for the rest of the season.”

Pickford plans Everton extension

Jordan Pickford is edging towards an agreement to sign a new contract with Everton. The England international had been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in recent months due to the uncertainty over his long-term future at Goodison Park. Pickford’s current contract is set to expire in 2024, so a new deal will end any rumours around a transfer away from Everton.

“Despite Everton’s precarious position in the Premier League and a second successive season of struggle, Pickford has always been keen on staying.

“Discussions have proved to be stop-start but Everton are now confident of keeping the player, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.”

Dest to return to Barca

Sergino Dest will return to Barcelona at the end of the season following a disastrous loan spell at AC Milan. The 22-year-old has only started four matches since joining on loan back in September and it is expected that Milan will not even consider activating their €20 million option-to-buy clause.

“Dest will have to return to Barcelona at the end of the season while waiting to find a solution for his future. The club hope to recoup most of the investment and would accept an offer of around €15m.”

Potter holds emergency meeting with staff

Chelsea manager Graham Potter held a meeting with his coaching staff at the club training ground in Cobham on Tuesday. The former-Brighton boss is keen to end the Blues’ slump in form, so held a “strategy meeting” to discuss ideas ahead of the London derby at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“In what has been described by sources as a strategy meeting”, discussions among the football operation at Chelsea centered around how to change course.

“Potter and senior first-team staff in the room were united in a bid to resolve the issues at the club, including the low confidence and morale of the squad.”