Arsenal continue their search for a central defender with Real Valladolid’s Fernando Calero hitting the headlines. However, the Daily Star reports the 23-year-old denied claims that he was on the verge of a move to the Emirates.
Gunners gaffer Unai Emery is keen to strengthen a back line which is missing Shkodran Mustafi, Nacho Monreal, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Dino Mavropanos ahead of the Premier League trip to Brighton today.
Emery is keen to explore his options in the January transfer window with Calero rising through the list of targets. Born in the province of Valladolid, the 23-year-old made his name with Malaga B. Returning to his ‘hometown’ club, Calero made his La Liga debut in August 2018, establishing himself quickly in the Pucela first-team.
However, the centre-back is keen to distance himself from claims he is set to depart the Estadio José Zorrilla. With La Liga on its’ winter break, Calero is having a city break in the English capital, he pinned the message to the top of his Twitter feed:
Valladolid, 51%-owned by Brazilian goalscoring legend Ronaldo, are open to a sale. The centre-back’s current contract includes a €9.5m release clause which is a valuation that suits Arsenal’s restricted budget perfectly.
