Arsenal are planning a summer bid for Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas, according to reports from AS. The 19-year-old, currently playing for Real Madrid Castilla, has been monitored by the North London club for several months, with initial interest emerging in October 2025.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the Here We Go Podcast that Arsenal view Valdepenas as a “talented” player from Real Madrid’s youth sector, though acknowledging the difficulty of prising players away from the Spanish giants. TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher subsequently stated Arsenal were preparing a formal offer for the summer transfer window.
Valdepenas made his first-team debut for Real Madrid under then-manager Xabi Alonso in December 2025, starting as a left-back against Alaves. After the match, he expressed his delight at fulfilling a childhood dream, acknowledging the support of his teammates. While Alonso praised Valdepenas’ performance overall, he also publicly noted a mistake made by the youngster that led to a goal conceded.
AS reports that Arsenal remain keen on securing a deal for Valdepenas, who is versatile enough to play as either a centre-back or a left-back. The player reportedly has a release clause of €50million (£43.2m, $58.1m) in his current contract with Real Madrid. The potential arrival of Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid’s next manager could influence the club’s willingness to allow Valdepenas to depart.
Valdepenas’ debut came during Alonso’s tenure, before the manager’s planned move to Chelsea next season. The Spaniard’s assessment of the young defender, even with a critical note, suggests a degree of faith in his potential. Arsenal’s pursuit of Valdepenas indicates a desire to strengthen their defensive options with a promising young talent. The acquisition of Valdepenas would provide Arsenal with a long-term solution in defence and offer tactical flexibility with his ability to play multiple positions.
