Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Victor Valdepenas ahead of a possible transfer bid for the Real Madrid defender next summer, in accordance with reports in Spain.
Valdepenas, also referred to as Valde, has established himself as considered one of the shining lights of Madrid’s academy having returned to the club in 2022 following a transient stint with Leganes’ youth team.
Comfortable playing at each centre-back and left-back, Valdepenas’ versatility has proven a useful asset for Madrid’s reserves this season.
The left-footed 19-year-old has played a complete of 888 minutes across the campaign for Real Madrid Castilla, who’re managed by Alvaro Arbeloa and sit fourth within the Primera Federacion after 16 games.
But on Sunday, Valdepenas made his first-team breakthrough for Los Blancos as Xabi Alonso rewarded the teen’s outstanding form with a spot in his starting XI to tackle Alaves in La Liga.
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Although his mistake led to Alaves’ equaliser in Madrid’s 2-1 win, Valdepenas was praised by Alonso within the aftermath and the teenager has retained his place within the squad to face Talavera within the Copa del Rey last 16.
While Valdepanas is extremely considered at Madrid, ESPN claim his rapid progress has begun to draw the eye of quite a lot of top across Europe.
It’s claimed Premier League leaders Arsenal are ‘closely monitoring’ Valdepanas, as are several Bundesliga sides, including Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
The report adds that while Madrid’s hierarchy are yet to receive any bids for Valdepanas, they’re bracing themselves for offers from potential suitors next summer.
For now, Valdepanas is alleged to be ‘ fully focused on his development’ and keen to kick on at Madrid after realising a dream by making his senior debut in La Liga on the weekend.
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Nonetheless, the situation could change down the road if the Spain Under-19 international doesn’t see a practical pathway to regular first-team minutes on the Bernabeu.
Valdepanas’ current contract with Madrid runs through to June 2029.
‘Valde made his debut and I congratulate him for that,’ Madrid boss Alonso said of the teenager’s debut against Alaves.
‘And I congratulate him not just for his debut, but in addition for the match he played.
‘He competed well and was very regular in his performance.’
Valdepanas, whose mother was pictured proudly watching on from the stands, thanked his team-mates for helping put him relaxed within the match.
‘My debut? I used to be nervous, I’m not going to lie,’ he said.
‘But my team-mates reassured me on the pitch and I thank them for that.’
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