Arsenal have been linked to signing a Real Madrid player ahead of the January transfer deadline which comes on Monday night.
The Gunners are yet to make any January signings this season, and it is understood that Mikel Arteta is very happy with his current squad. However, the Arsenal boss did say at the start of the transfer window, that they would be ‘active’ in the market.
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By saying that, Arteta likely meant that if any of their long-term targets become available, they would make a move if the price is right. That’s where we come to a sudden development for one of their defensive transfer targets.
Arsenal learn Real Madrid star has a £44m release clause
Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas has been on Arsenal’s radar for several months now, as the Gunners view him as a future world-class star. The 19-year-old has broken out into the Real Madrid first team, and could become their starter in the future.
Arsenal had been linked to signing him, but it was understood to be in the summer, as Real Madrid were very certain that he wasn’t for sale in January. However, according to the Daily Mail, Valdepenas has signed a new contract at Real, which includes a release clause of £44m.
That means that if they wanted to Arsenal could make a swift move, and pay the £44m to bring the Spanish centre-back into the squad ahead of the January deadline on Monday night. It could be one to watch over the coming days at the Emirates.
The Gunners looking at centre-backs amid Hincapie situation
Piero Hincapie joined as a backup centre-back in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen on a loan with an option to buy. It is understood that Arsenal will pay that £45m fee in the summer, but if something goes wrong, then they could look to someone like Valdepenas.
Seeing as Hincapie has performed really well, and made 18 appearances for the Gunners this season, so you would expect him to join permanently, but if he doesn’t, watch out for the Real Madrid star.
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