Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas.
The 19-year-old was handed his first team debut by Xabi Alonso during Madrid’s 2-1 win over Alaves at the weekend, and is reportedly on Arsenal’s radar ahead of a potential transfer next summer.
Arsenal are not the only club said to be after Valdepenas, and Madrid, though potentially open to offers, are keen to keep the teenager at the club beyond this season.
Arsenal have been rocked by defensive injuries this season with, Gabriel, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera all currently sidelined.
It has left Mikel Arteta short of options in defence, and the Gunners boss is said to have identified Valdepenas as a potential addition to bolster his backline.
Who is Valdepanas?
A natural centre-half, the versatile Valdepenass was deployed at left-back against Alaves, with injuries and suspensions handing the academy graduate an opportunity to impress.
Valdepenas’ versatility will appeal to Arteta, who likes his defenders to be able to play across the backline.
Jurrien Timber, White, and Piero Hincapie are all able to play at centre-back and full-back, and Valdepenas is no different.
Valdepenas is considered mature beyond his years due to his physicality, which he models on team-mates Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde.
The Spanish Under-19 international is also quick across the ground, and while Alaves’ goal came from a mistake from Valdepenas, Alonso praised the young defender for his performance.
“We conceded on the only occasion that Valdepenas made a mistake, because in all the others he was very accurate and played very well,” Alonso said in his post-match press conference.
“As I said before, Valdepenas made his debut, and I congratulate him from here, not only for his debut but for the match he played. He competed and was very steady.
We conceded on the only occasion that Valdepenas made a mistake, because in all the others he was very accurate and played very well
“Making your debut with Real Madrid is always a special day. We’re in this together.”
Valdepenas has made huge strides at Madrid and is in line for further first-team involvement this season.
However, having only made his senior debut at the weekend, there is more to come from the young defender, with clubs across Europe circling.
