Mikel Arteta and Victor Valdepenas (Photo: Carl Lecine, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly in talks over a possible future move for Real Madrid’s talented young centre-back Victor Valdepenas.
According to BBC Sport, the Gunners have held internal discussions to plan a move for Valdepenas, who has a £43m release clause in his contract with Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old is already a first-team player for Real and looks like a promising player, with the Spanish giants likely finding it difficult to keep him.
Valdepenas looks like a player with a bright future ahead of him, so if Arsenal do make a move for him, it remains to be seen when he will do so and what role he will play at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal plan to re-strengthen defense with Victor Valdepenas transfer
Arsenal have arguably the best defense in Europe at the moment, thanks to world-class performances from the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães in recent years.
In addition to that, Mikel Arteta’s side also have strong squad depth provided by Cristian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and versatile players such as Julian Timber, Riccardo Calafioli and Ben White, who can play a central defensive role.
It is therefore difficult to see how Valdepenas would fit into Arsenal’s first team. He probably won’t get to play very often.
Then again, Gabriel is probably at or just past his peak now, which could mean a role for Valdepenas as the Brazilian’s long-term successor.
It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds, as Madrid will also be sure to do everything in their power to keep this front-runner for as long as possible.
