Arsenal are actively pursuing the signing of Real Madrid youngster Victor Valdepenas, though they’ll face competition from multiple other clubs, according to reports.
Javier Rodriguez Pascual reported for ESPN Deportes last weekend that their sources claim Arsenal are closely monitoring Real Madrid’s Victor Valdepenas, along with several Bundesliga clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
The ESPN report added that none of the teams had yet made an offer to Real Madrid, but they’re expected to step up their interest next summer.
The report added that Valdepenas’ focus remains on his development, and he wants to continue playing for Real Madrid. But his long-term future will depend on the clubs plans for him.
German outlet Bild have since entered the mix with a report on Thursday confirming that Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Arsenal are all interested and actively pursuing the signing.
Bild claim Valdepenas is considered a huge talent in Spain, but he’s likely to find it difficult to establish himself in Xabi Alonso’s squad. So there could be an opening for another club to sign him in 2026.
Earlier this year, in May, the same three clubs were again linked with Valdepenas by Javier Rodriguez Pascual for Relevo, the same journalist who wrote the report for ESPN Deportes last week.
As well as playing at left-back, Valdepenas is also capable of operating as a centre-back. He made his debut for Real Madrid last weekend in unusual cricumstances, with Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga all injured and Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras suspended.
Though it was obviously a positive experience for Valdepenas to make his debut, it’s unlikely there will be too many more occasions when all five left-backs in front of him are ruled out at once.
The route to regular minutes will probably be clearer at other clubs, including Arsenal.