Arsenal are reportedly showing an interest in a player who could barely get a game while working with Ruben Amorim and is now flourishing under his current coach
Arsenal are among multiple clubs credited with an interest in Ivan Fresneda this summer transfer window.
The former Real Madrid right-back has thrived at Sporting following Ruben Amorim’s departure for Manchester United. The newly installed AC Milan head coach gave the Spain youth international limited opportunities in Lisbon after his £10 million move from Real Valladolid.
The 21-year-old featured just 16 times over 18 months under Amorim, missing two months due to shoulder surgery, but under his successor, Rui Borges, the full-back has racked up 63 appearances. He also earned four caps for Spain’s under-21 side last season, ending a two-year absence from international duty.
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Portuguese publication A Bola suggests Borges has unlocked something in Fresneda that Amorim struggled to identify. It is believed the defender’s style did not align with how his coach prefers wing-backs to operate.
His defensive awareness and positioning, rather than attacking contributions, are reportedly catching the eye of the Gunners and his former club, Real Madrid. Fresneda has registered just four goals and four assists throughout his club career.
Instead, the defender is noted for his combative nature and commitment, while his ability to read the game is considered another key attribute. The publication now regards him as indispensable and central to Sporting’s long-term plans.
The club now views him as indispensable, a dramatic shift from their position during Amorim’s tenure when Sporting were willing to part ways with the player and had even entered discussions over a possible transfer to Como.
According to the outlet, he appeared ‘doomed to oblivion’ but managed to ‘rewrite his own destiny’ in what they describe as a ‘turnaround worthy of a cinematic script’.
Rather than Fresneda departing for Italy, it is his previous manager who has now taken up a new post in southern Europe. Milan have appointed Amorim to take over from Massimiliano Allegri at San Siro following their failure to secure Champions League football last season.
Milan’s official statement highlights that, “throughout his career, Amorim has developed a modern, dominant tactical approach with clear player profiles and strong organisational design that develops young players and maximises their potential.”
The managing partner of Milan’s majority owners, RedBird Capital Partners, Gerry Cardinale, added: “We have tracked Ruben for years, and his Sporting tenure is extremely impressive and reflects the style of play that we are looking for.
“He is one of the most prepared and innovative coaches of the new European generation – young, ambitious, and with a modern footballing identity defined by dominating games in possession, a modern pressing system and a clear tactical approach.
“Ruben believes in high press attacking football with quick transitions that enable greater goal scoring. His philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, while his leadership qualities and track record in developing players stood out to us. We believe in Ruben and are excited to welcome him to the club.”
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