Arsenal are firmly in the driving seat to land Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS — and this one has all the makings of a fascinating transfer saga.
Who Is Victor Valdepenas?
The 19-year-old left-back made his Madrid debut against Deportivo Alaves back in December, impressing with a 94% pass completion rate, seven duels won and three tackles. Not bad for a teenager thrown in at the deep end during an injury crisis. Former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso handed him the start, and Valdepenas didn’t look out of place one bit.
The Transfer Battle Brewing
Arsenal’s interest is described as “very much alive,” but the Gunners won’t have it easy. AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are all circling, with the German clubs monitoring him since 2024. A proper bidding war could be on the cards.
Does Arsenal Actually Need Him?
That’s the real question. Arteta currently has Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Myles Lewis-Skelly competing at left-back. Hincapie has been outstanding on loan from Leverkusen, while Lewis-Skelly has managed just one league start this season.
Valdepenas could realistically come in as Lewis-Skelly’s long-term competition — or even replacement.
The Price Tag Problem
Valdepenas carries a £43 million release clause, which Arsenal are unlikely to trigger. Expect the Gunners to push hard for a significant discount if serious talks develop.
