Real Madrid face fight to keep highly rated Victor Valdepenas as Arsenal eye summer raid
Real Madrid face a serious fight to retain highly-rated academy talent Victor Valdepenas as the European giants prepare a summer raid.
Premier League giants Arsenal are monitoring the talented teenager’s situation ahead of a possible move next summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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Madrid are well aware that when a young player from their famous academy shows promise, attention from across Europe quickly follows.
Valdepenas is the latest name to attract interest from European clubs, but Los Blancos have no plans to cash in on the talented centre-back.
The versatile defender is naturally a central defender but can also play at left back. He made his debut for the senior team in December last year, playing the final 12 minutes of a 2-1 win over Alaves.
Valdepenas is highly rated by Madrid’s hierarchy, and they are considering paving the way for him into the first team, particularly with Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba likely to leave the club this summer.
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Both veterans will be out of contract at the end of the season and likely expected to leave, as there have been no discussions about a new deal.
Madrid will naturally enter the market for defensive reinforcements and have already added some top names to their long shortlist.
They were considering a move for former Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but missed out as Manchester City signed him in a £20m deal.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has also been mooted, but the Spanish giants have decided against making a move for the France international.
Another name that has been mentioned is Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, with Madrid in the bargain market. Despite their constant searches, Valdepenas is firmly in the club’s plans.
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The 19-year-old will likely go out on loan to continue his development, but Madrid are prepared to rebuff any approach from Arsenal this summer.
Valdepenas has three and a half years remaining on his contract with Madrid, so they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on the highly-rated defender.