Arsenal target Sporting CP's Fresneda as potential Ben White replacement
Arsenal have identified Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda as a potential summer signing as they prepare for the possible departure of defender Ben White, according to a report from The Sun. The Gunners' sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to be keen on the Spaniard, who has been on the club's radar since 2023, as he draws up a list of replacements for the out-of-favour Englishman.
White's position at the Emirates Stadium has become increasingly uncertain this season, with the 29-year-old having been limited to just nine Premier League starts. The arrival of Jurrien Timber from Ajax in 2023 provided immediate competition, and despite Timber missing most of last campaign with an ACL injury, he has since established himself as Mikel Arteta's first-choice right-back. TEAMtalk revealed last month that Arsenal have reluctantly opened the door to White's departure, with Newcastle United reportedly interested in a deal.
The search for a successor has led Arsenal's recruitment team back to Fresneda. The 21-year-old defender joined Sporting from Real Valladolid in 2023 and has developed into a highly-regarded talent in Portugal. His current contract contains a release clause worth €80 million (approximately £70 million), but it is believed Arsenal are hopeful of negotiating a lower fee. Fresneda's potential acquisition would represent a shift towards a more specialized right-back, a role White adapted to after originally being signed as a centre-half.
Fresneda is not the only name on Arsenal's shortlist, however. The report also states that Newcastle United's Valentino Livramento is a key target. The 23-year-old England international would command a fee in the region of £70 million, a figure that would break the world record transfer for a full-back. Arsenal's interest in Livramento is complicated by expected competition from Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as the sensitivity of dealing with a direct Premier League rival.
Other alternatives being monitored include Celta Vigo's soon-to-be free agent Oscar Mingueza, Roma's Wesley Franca, Monaco's Vanderson, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Nnamdi Collins. The need for reinforcements in the full-back area is considered a priority, with the potential sale of White part of a broader squad refresh that could also see striker Gabriel Jesus depart. The pursuit of Fresneda signals a clear intent to invest in a younger, long-term option for the right side of Arsenal's defence as Arteta's project continues to evolve.
