Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas. The Gunners have competition from three other clubs, but are ready for the bidding war.
According to a report in AS, Arsenal are working behind the scenes to secure the signing of Valdepeñas. They see him as the ideal addition to the team after luring Cristhian Mosquera as the backup for William Saliba last summer.
Valdepeñas has played once for Real Madrid this season, starting against Deportivo Alaves in December, but has not gotten a chance under new manager Alvaro Arbeoa. He is reportedly open to leaving and also has interest from AC Milan.
Matteo Moretto was on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel and said last week:
“Born and raised in Real Madrid, he plays for Madrid Castilla but has already made his debut with the Real Madrid A team. We’re talking about Víctor Valdepeñas, a central defender, left-footed and occasionally full-back. He’s one of the most interesting and strong prospects in Spanish football, born in 2006."
"Moreover, he’s managed by the agents of Mario Gila, another defender associated with Milan. So, Milan are thinking about the young Valdepeñas, there’s strong interest, also because the boy would accept an experience away from Madrid. Keep an eye on this name because Milan are keeping a close eye on him…”
Apart from the Gunners and AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in signing the teenager.
Arsenal battling Real Madrid for midfielder this summer
Arsenal are keen on bolstering their squad this summer and have set their sights on signing Kees Smit. Real Madrid are also in the chase for the midfielder, while Liverpool are also keeping tabs on him.
German journalist Christian Falk wrote about Smit earlier this month, ruling out interest from Bayern Munich and said:
"They have players in this position already. Don’t forget Aleksandar Pavlović, Tom Bischof, Joshua Kimmich, and Konrad Laimer. So, no, it’s not hot for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer. From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player than Bayern Munich."
Fabrizio Romano has reported that AZ will demand over €60 million to sell their star player. They are aware of interest from Real Madrid, but are fighting to keep him.