Arsenal are keeping tabs on Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas, according to reports in the Spanish media.
ESPN Deportes claim that the Gunners are “following” the 19-year-old’s progress, along with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
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At the moment, Valdepenas is said to be happy to stay at the Bernabeu, having been in Real’s youth ranks since 2018.
However, a lot depends on whether he can become a regular starter for them in the future.
Valdepenas made his debut for the first team last weekend
The Spanish Under 19 international does have some experience at senior level, having played for Real’s C team in the Spanish fourth division and Real’s B team, Castilla, in the third tier.
Valdepenas made his first appearance for Castilla in October last year, and he has gone on to play 28 times in all competitions.
The centre-half has also been given a chance by the first-team this campaign, with head coach Xabi Alonso handing him his debut against Alaves at the weekend. He played 78 minutes during the 2-1 win.
The Arsenal target has pace to burn
Although Valdepenas is ostensibly a centre-back, he was deployed at left-back by Alonso on Sunday, mainly due to the pace that he possesses.
ESPN Deportes report that the teenager has been “matching Vinicius Jr” in terms of top speed. He has been exceeding 34 kph.
That pace, combined with his ability to play as a fullback or in the centre of defence, means Valdepenas has the potential to go on to do big things in the future. After making his debut for Real, you would think his priority will be to establish himself in their first team for now, but if he doesn’t make the breakthrough as hoped, the Gunners will be waiting in the wings.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here