Arsenal are now keen on signing an "explosive" Real Madrid player, having clearly been left impressed after conducting a scouting mission.
Gunners stepping up interest in new defender
It has been a quiet January transfer for the Gunners up to this point, but there has now been some movement, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Oleksandr Zinchenko is closing in on a move to Ajax.
Given that Zinchenko has been out on loan at Nottingham Forest, there may be no need to bring in a new left-back, but it has now emerged that Mikel Arteta's side hold genuine interest in signing Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco.
With Ben White's future in north London in doubt, amid interest from Everton, Arteta could perhaps do with bringing in another versatile defender in the summer transfer window too, and a Real Madrid ace has now been identified as a target.
Ben White of Arsenal arrives before the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match at Fratton Park
That is according to a report from The Sun, which states Arsenal are now keen on signing Victor Valdepenas, who is capable of playing in three positions, having featured at centre-back, left-back and even left-midfield throughout his career to date.
The Gunners have watched Valdepenas in action during a scouting mission, and they were seemingly impressed by what they saw, although they may choose to wait until the end of the season before making a move.
It could also be difficult to tempt the Spanish giants into a sale, given that they regard him as an exciting young player, and there may be rival interest from some of Europe's other top clubs.
"Explosive" Valdepenas yet to gain much first-team experience
The 19-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Real Madrid, which came in La Liga earlier this season, although he did impress on his debut, with Xabi Alonso describing his performance as "excellent".
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Scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Madrid defender, describing him as an "explosive ball carrier" last June, so there are some signs he could be a solid long-term addition to Arteta's squad.
That said, the Spaniard is yet to prove himself at first-team level, so signing him could be a gamble, especially considering there is arguably no pressing need to bring in a new defender, with White's contract not set to expire until 2028.
Unless the Englishman pushes to leave this summer, Arsenal should keep White as a rotation option, and with Arteta's side recording the best defensive record in the Premier League this term, signing a new defender shouldn't be a priority.