Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Real Madrid youngster Víctor Valdepeñas, with reports in Spain claiming the club are monitoring him closely ahead of a potential move in the summer.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season, making his senior debut with 78 minutes at Mendizorroza, and the report states Arsenal are now intensifying their interest after making enquiries last summer alongside Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
No steps towards a deal have yet been taken, but Valdepeñas is said to be highly rated at the Emirates for his versatility, maturity and potential.
Valdepeñas has featured primarily as a centre-back for Castilla, partnering Joan Martínez, but he has played for the senior team at left-back, a flexibility that is seen as a key part of his appeal.
Arsenal are weighing up multiple options, with this report adding that pursuing a move in January is viewed as unrealistic, leaving the summer as the more likely window for any approach.
Real Madrid, however, are described as holding a strong position. The club renewed Valdepeñas’ contract in December, keeping the expiry date at 2029 while increasing his release clause to more than €50 million and improving his salary.
The report adds that Valdepeñas remains focused on his development and wants to succeed at Real Madrid, continuing as a regular for Castilla under Julián López de Lerma.
His market value has also risen sharply, with Transfermarkt’s latest update on 30 December increasing his valuation from €500,000 to €3 million, a figure that places him among the most highly rated players in the Castilla squad.
Arsenal were first linked with Valdepeñas eight months ago, with the connections resurfacing again last month.