Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal playmaker turned head coach, is adding a touch of Spanish flair to his rebuilding project at Italian side Como. The Serie A outfit, currently grappling with a 16th-place position in the standings, is poised to strengthen its squad by signing Ivan Fresneda, a highly regarded young defender once on Arsenal’s radar.
Having taken over as Como manager in July, Fabregas aims to steer the club toward success, and the addition of Fresneda represents a significant step in that direction. This move rekindles an intriguing connection between Fabregas and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had previously identified Fresneda as a potential signing for the Gunners.
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Fresneda’s Journey: From Real Valladolid to Sporting CP
In early 2023, Fresneda was making headlines as a teenage right-back for Real Valladolid, capturing the attention of several elite clubs, including Arsenal. The then-18-year-old impressed with his maturity and technical ability, prompting Arteta’s side to express strong interest during the January transfer window.
Despite the allure of joining one of England’s top clubs, Fresneda made a surprising decision to remain with Valladolid. His agent later revealed to AS that the defender opted to “keep his feet on the ground” and focus on securing consistent playing time—a choice that earned widespread admiration.
Six months later, Fresneda took the next step in his career, signing with Sporting CP in Portugal. However, his stint in Lisbon has been challenging, with limited appearances due to injuries and stiff competition for a starting spot.
Fabregas’ Vision for Como Takes Shape
Fabregas’ Como has now swooped in to secure Fresneda’s services, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that a deal worth €10 million has been agreed. The arrangement involves an initial loan with an obligation to buy, offering Fresneda the chance to rediscover his form and confidence under Fabregas’ guidance.
This move underscores Fabregas’ ambition to inject young talent into his squad and reflects his ability to identify players with untapped potential. Fresneda, now 20, remains a prospect with immense promise, and a fresh start in Italy could provide the ideal environment for his development.
Arsenal Connections Resurface
Fresneda’s impending arrival at Como is not the first instance of Fabregas and Arteta crossing paths in the transfer market. In October 2024, Arsenal were linked to Nico Paz, another talent plying his trade at Fabregas’ Como. This shared interest highlights the overlapping philosophies of the two Spaniards, both of whom value technical proficiency and adaptability in their players.
Fresneda’s connection to Arsenal also lingers as a reminder of what could have been. His decision to reject Arteta’s proposal in 2023, though surprising at the time, now appears to have been a calculated move to prioritize his long-term growth.
Why Como is the Perfect Fit for Fresneda
Fresneda’s stint at Sporting CP may not have unfolded as planned, with just 10 appearances in the 2023/24 season and 11 so far in 2024/25. Yet, his ability remains unquestioned, and a move to Como could mark a turning point in his career.
Como offers a quieter stage for the defender to refine his game, away from the relentless pressure of playing for a top-tier club like Arsenal. Under Fabregas’ mentorship, Fresneda can focus on his craft while contributing to the Italian side’s resurgence.
A Promising Partnership
For Fabregas, landing a player of Fresneda’s caliber is a significant coup as he works to elevate Como’s fortunes. For Fresneda, the move represents a chance to rebuild his momentum and showcase his abilities in a league that values technical and tactical acumen.
Though Arsenal fans may wonder what might have been, this transfer is a testament to Fresneda’s patience and vision for his career. With Fabregas at the helm, the young defender has a golden opportunity to make his mark in Italy and beyond.
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FAQs
Who is Ivan Fresneda, and why is he significant?
Ivan Fresneda is a 20-year-old Spanish right-back, formerly linked with Arsenal. He rose to prominence at Real Valladolid and later joined Sporting CP before moving to Como under Cesc Fabregas.
Why did Ivan Fresneda reject Arsenal in 2023?
Fresneda turned down Arsenal’s offer in 2023 to prioritize consistent playing time at Real Valladolid, as confirmed by his agent in an AS interview.
What is the transfer deal between Ivan Fresneda and Como?
Como has secured Fresneda on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, in a €10 million deal as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
How has Ivan Fresneda performed at Sporting CP?
Fresneda made limited appearances at Sporting CP due to injuries and competition, featuring in only 21 games over two seasons.
What is Cesc Fabregas’ role in Fresneda’s transfer?
Cesc Fabregas, now managing Como, recognized Fresneda’s potential and pursued his transfer to strengthen the Italian club’s squad.
