Arsenal are now in pole position to sign an "explosive" Real Madrid player, and there is a feeling he could be ideal for Mikel Arteta.
Gunners eyeing summer signings amid push for quadruple
An historic quadruple is still very much on the cards for the Gunners, who breezed past League One side Wigan Athletic 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, booking their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup in the process.
Although Mikel Arteta's side slipped up at Brentford in their last Premier League outing, drawing 1-1, they are still setting the pace at the top of the table, sitting four points clear of Manchester City, while they are also through to the final of the EFL Cup and the last 16 of the Champions League.
Earlier this month, Piers Morgan made headlines by suggesting Arteta has built the best squad ever assembled, and despite that being a very bold claim, there certainly aren't any signs the manager needs to make wholesale changes in the summer.
However, with Ben White's long-term future at the Emirates Stadium still in doubt, Arteta may need to bring in another versatile defender at the end of the season, and a Real Madrid player has emerged as an option.
That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Arsenal are now in pole position in the race for Victor Valdepenas' signature, although a bidding war could be on the cards.
There is a feeling Valdepenas could be ideal for Arteta, given his ability to play at both centre-back and left-back, but there is growing interest from across the continent, with Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan also keen.
Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match Brentford vs Arsenal
Furthermore, a deal could be a relatively expensive operation, as the 19-year-old has a £43m release clause in his contract with the Spanish side.
"Explosive" Valdepenas could be exciting long-term signing for Arsenal
Described as an "explosive ball carrier" by scout Ben Mattinson, the teenager has made just one senior appearance for Real Madrid, which came in La Liga against Alaves earlier this season, but he put in a solid performance on his debut.
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde praised his teammate's display, saying: "I congratulate Valdepenyas; he played excellently in his debut. We are very happy for him, and we hope that the youth from the academy will continue to get opportunities in the main team."
The Spaniard has also made a total of 36 appearances for third tier side RM Castilla, most recently completing ten defensive actions, the highest number of any player, as his side ran out 2-1 winners against Athletic Club B U21s.
With Valdepenas still very inexperienced at senior level, it is unlikely he would be able to make an immediate impact at Arsenal, but his versatility could make him a useful option for Arteta on a more long-term basis.