Arsenal are targeting Ivan Fresneda of Sporting Lisbon as a priority signing this summer, according to a report by Sport Witness, with the Gunners looking to strengthen their squad after a historic season that brought a Premier League title and a Champions League final appearance.

Fresneda, 21, caught the eye of clubs across Europe with a standout campaign for Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League — including a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in which he covered 11km and registered nine defensive contributions. The performance illustrated why Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit: Manchester City and Newcastle are also monitoring the Spanish full-back.

From the shadow of Amorim to the spotlight

Fresneda's rise at Sporting Lisbon has not followed a straightforward path. Under former manager Ruben Amorim, he managed just 10 appearances in his debut season after joining from Real Valladolid in 2023. Amorim's tactics left little room for the young Spaniard to impose himself, and a loan exit to Como was briefly considered.

The appointment of Rui Borges transformed Fresneda's situation. The new manager adapted his tactical setup to accommodate the full-back's strengths, and Fresneda responded — developing both his on-pitch game and his mentality. By season's end, he had become one of Sporting Lisbon's most dependable performers.

A hefty price tag stands between Arsenal and a deal

Sporting Lisbon have set Fresneda's release clause at €80 million, and the Portuguese club regard him as untouchable. However, the volume of interest from top clubs across Europe could gradually shift that position, particularly if Arsenal — fresh from their first Premier League title under Mikel Arteta — choose to accelerate their approach.

For Arteta, adding a full-back who has already shown he can perform against Paris Saint-Germain — widely regarded as the dominant force in European football right now — would be a calculated move as Arsenal seek to close the gap in continental competition. The fact that Manchester City and Newcastle are circling only adds urgency to the Gunners' decision.