Arsenal are actively working to sign Real Madrid’s 19-year-old versatile defender Victor Valdepenas, facing competition from major European clubs following the youngster’s successful senior debut under Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal are reportedly ramping up their efforts to secure the signature of 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas.
The versatile youngster, who can operate as both a center-back and a left-back, has caught the eye of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after a string of impressive displays for Real Madrid’s youth academy.
Valdepenas recently made his senior debut for Los Blancos under Xabi Alonso, further validating the long-standing scouting reports from the north London club.
The Gunners are not alone in their pursuit, with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen also closely monitoring the teenager’s situation.
Valdepenas is under contract in Madrid until 2029, and the Spanish club is notoriously difficult to negotiate with regarding their top “La Fabrica” talents.
However, Arsenal are reportedly preparing a “convincing offer” for the 2026 window, hoping that the promise of a more direct pathway to first-team football might tempt the defender away from the Bernabeu.
Reflecting on the player’s recent breakthrough, Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was full of praise for the youngster’s temperament.
Alonso stated, “Valdepenas made his debut and I congratulate him from here, not only for his debut but for the match he played. He competed and was very steady.”
While Madrid intend to keep their rising star, Arsenal’s strategic interest signifies their commitment to “future-proofing” a defense that has been hit by several high-profile injuries this season.