A deal to take Real Valladolid wonderkid Ivan Fresneda to Arsenal could still be alive as the transfer deadline approaches, insider Dean Jones has claimed.

What's the word?

Arsenal were one of a number of clubs reportedly chasing the 18-year-old earlier in the window, but as the transfer deadline approaches, he still remains at his club - though his situation could still change.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that clubs are still attempting to sign the right-back with a view to a deal for next season, with the player potentially staying at Valladolid until the end of the campaign.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones has claimed that Arsenal are still waiting for Fresneda to make a decision, and that a deal for him to join the club could still take place.

He said: "I think this one is just about still alive. It really does feel a case of whether the player thinks this is the move that suits him right now.

"I think Arsenal feel like they've done all they can in selling themselves to him. They know that this isn't really anything personal right now, in terms of whether he likes Arsenal or not.

"He does like Arsenal, he was happy to join, but there are other options on the table for him."

A long-term signing

Right-back Cedric Soares looks set to leave Arsenal on loan, but whilst Fresneda is not expected to join the squad immediately, he could be seen as a long-term replacement at right-back and a top prospect in the position.

Arsenal already have Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu at right-back, but given the versatility of the two, either could move across the backline to allow Fresneda into the starting XI if he quickly earns a spot there.

It may be some time before he features regularly in the Premier League if he joins, but Arsenal may nevertheless see it as a coup to secure a talent who has rapidly exploded onto the scene in La Liga.