Arsenal could secure a dream start to the summer transfer window by snapping up Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas. The 19-year-old sensation has a £43million release clause in his contract, and moving swiftly would allow the Gunners to pull off a steal for one of Los Blancos' most promising talents.
Mikel Arteta's first Premier League title triumph has been built on his side's defensive prowess. For all the questions raised about Arsenal's attacking fluidity, there's no disputing the Spaniard's ability to coach defensive tactics, nor his eye for talented defenders.
Cristhian Mosquera's £13m move proved to be one of last summer's bargains, with the former Valencia man clocking up 33 appearances so far in his debut campaign. While Valdepenas' price tag sits closer to the typical expenditure for defensive talents, it would still represent a major coup should Arsenal manage to secure his signature.
Valdepenas: A Versatile Defensive Prospect
The left-back, who can play across the defensive line, came through the Madrid academy and is considered among their finest defensive prospects. He made his senior debut under Xabi Alonso in December against Alaves, marking his only first-team appearance to date. Since then, he has largely remained on the periphery of the senior squad due to his age and has shone for the reserves while helping them claim the UEFA Youth League.
The Gunners are undoubtedly already well aware of his considerable talent, having monitored him extensively throughout this campaign, and Mirror Football understands Valdepenas is a prominent name on their radar ahead of the summer window. While Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta shortlisted him as a defensive target internally, no formal approach has yet been lodged.
Physical and Technical Attributes
The teenager is left-footed and, at 6ft 2in, has been labelled a monster and a physical beast by scouts. Combined with his calmness in possession and technical skills, he ticks all the boxes for an Arteta defender.
Valdepenas' ability to operate at left-back, centre-back and left wing-back marks him out as a rare breed of player, reminiscent of Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal are admittedly already well-served in that area with Piero Hincapie, Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly all capable of playing there.
But the high regard in which Gunners bosses appear to hold him speaks volumes about the youngster's quality. And any chance to bolster the backline heading into next season should not be dismissed, particularly given their injury problems.
Competition for Signature
Arsenal were even keen on securing Valdepenas in January, soon after Real Madrid had committed him to new terms running until June 2029. Other clubs have since taken notice of this bargain release clause and the Gunners are expected to face competition for his signature this summer.
According to Sky Sport Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt are eager to secure his signature, with the Bundesliga outfit having shown concrete interest. The likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with a move.
However, given Arsenal's current standing in European football, the player would likely need little persuasion to opt for north London ahead of a move to Germany.
