In a stunning twist in the January transfer window, Arsenal have turned their attention to Real Madrid’s rising star Victor Valdepenas as a potential alternative after missing out on Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who is on the verge of a blockbuster £60m move to Chelsea.
The Gunners have long been admirers of Turkish sensation Arda Guler, regularly sending scouts to the Bernabeu to monitor his progress. But during these visits, another young talent has caught their eye: 19-year-old left-back Victor Valdepenas, Guler’s teammate in Madrid’s youth setup who recently made his senior debut.
Valdepenas, a versatile defender capable of playing at left-back or centre-back, has been tipped as a future star for Los Blancos. His ball-playing ability and composure under pressure make him an ideal fit for modern football, and he’s already earned caps for Spain’s youth teams. Sources indicate Arsenal have been tracking him for months, even before his first-team bow against Alaves in December, where he impressed despite being substituted late in the game.
“Arsenal are big admirers of Valdepenas after seeing him in action in recent weeks,” reports The Sun, highlighting the club’s strategy to future-proof their squad with high-potential signings. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the interest, noting that Valdepenas is “on Arsenal’s shortlist as a potential investment for the next months,” though his future remains in Real Madrid’s hands.
However, prising Valdepenas away from the Spanish giants won’t be easy. Real Madrid officials are reportedly high on the youngster, with his contract running until 2029 and including a €50m release clause. The club sees no immediate reason to sell, and former player Alvaro Arbeloa, now involved in the youth system, is a big fan. Arsenal may need to act swiftly and decisively, as other European clubs are also monitoring the 6ft2in talent.
This pivot comes amid frustration over Jeremy Jacquet, the 20-year-old Rennes centre-back Arsenal had targeted. Negotiations between Rennes and Chelsea are advanced, with the Blues hopeful of finalizing a deal this week for a fee exceeding €64m—potentially a club-record sale for the French side. Jacquet, known for his speed, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game, has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is eager to join. The move addresses Chelsea’s defensive needs amid injuries to players like Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Arsenal’s interest in bolstering their defense doesn’t stop there. The club is also keen on Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, a 28-year-old left-back valued at around €50m, as Mikel Arteta seeks to add depth and quality. With options like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko already in the squad, Valdepenas represents a long-term bet on youth.
As the transfer window heats up, Arsenal’s scouting missions in Madrid could yield more than just updates on Guler. If they land Valdepenas, it would be a coup for the future—proving once again that the Gunners are playing the long game in their quest to challenge for top honors.