Arsenal suffer major transfer blow as Romano confirms player unlikely to join in January

Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda is expected to remain at Real Valladolid this month instead of moving to the Emirates Stadium, Fabrizio Romano has reported.

The Gunners have been pursuing a move for the 18-year-old Spanish right-back throughout January, and reportedly offered £13 million to sign him.

He was left out of his side's squad to take on Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, sparking talk of a potential impending transfer. However, it was reported that Fresneda was injured, meaning he could not take part in the match.

Initial concerns about a possible Arsenal move began on Sunday afternoon, with Spanish football reporter Chus Rodriguez claiming that it would take a major surprise for the right-back to leave Valladolid.

Then, following the Valencia clash, Fresneda was seen signing autographs for fans. As per Metro, he told the supporters: "No, I'm not leaving, calm down."

Now, Romano has reported that the defender will indeed be almost certainly remaining in Spain - but perhaps not for long.

Arsenal target Fresneda set to stay at Valladolid

Taking to Twitter, Romano wrote: "Understand Ivan Fresneda will stay at Valladolid in January unless there are twists in the final hours.

"Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund wanted Spanish talented RB but deal was never done.

"Fresneda now expected to stay and help Valladolid. Next step: top club move in the summer."

Whilst a deal in January looks to be off, Arsenal could now look towards making a summer move for the wonderkid, who was described as 'really complete' by La Liga Lowdown's Matt Clark.

With 10 La Liga appearances under his belt this season, including an impressive performance against Real Madrid earlier this season, Fresneda will gain valuable experience for the remainder of this season.

Given that reports from the Daily Mail suggested that Arsenal or Dortmund would consider loaning the Spaniard back to Valladolid if a deal went through, Mikel Arteta's future plans for the right-back may not be significantly altered - but it is still a key January blow for the Gunners in terms of a deal they would have hoped to complete now, rather than in the summer.