Arsenal are stepping up their long-term recruitment planning, with sources indicating strong interest in a young defender. If a move went through, it could see Myles Lewis-Skelly switch position.
Víctor Valdepeñas, is a highly regarded 19-year-old defender, currently developing at Real Madrid. The Gunners are understood to be targeting a potential summer move, viewing Valdepeñas as a versatile and cost-effective addition who fits neatly into the club’s evolving squad structure. Several sources have linked the Gunners, including the BBC who site ‘well-placed sources’ in saying internal talks are underway over a future move.
Valdepeñas is valued for his flexibility, capable of operating both as a centre-back and at left-back. His composure on the ball, tactical awareness and ability to step into midfield during build-up phases have reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal’s recruitment team, who see him as a player with significant upside rather than a short-term fix.
TWithLewis-Skelly potentially viewed as a long-term midfield option rather than a pure defender, Arsenal may soon need to reinforce their defensive depth on the left side. At present, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié, Riccardo Calafiori and Lewis-Skelly are competing for two roles across centre-back and left-back. Any positional shift for Lewis-Skelly could open the door for another defender who can comfortably cover both areas. Arsenal were linked with a summer move for Marc Guehi, who has now joined Manchester City, so Valdepeñas could be a younger and cheaper (in terms of wages) alternative.
Despite having three years remaining on his contract, Real Madrid are aware of the growing external interest and will be reluctant to lose a player they rate highly within their youth setup. However, Arsenal are believed to be pushing hard, with talks described as active rather than speculative. The attraction for Arsenal is clear: a player with elite academy grounding, tactical intelligence and resale potential, (possibly) available before his market value fully explodes.
If Arsenal are able to strike a deal, it would likely be seen as a smart piece of business rather than a headline-grabbing transfer. Valdepeñas would arrive as a long-term investment, given time to adapt and develop, while providing valuable depth across multiple defensive positions. It is exactly the type of forward-thinking move Arsenal have increasingly favoured, blending immediate squad needs with a clear eye on the future.