Arsenal are reportedly considering activating the £43 million release clause of Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of next season. The 19-year-old, who came through the Madrid academy, is considered one of the club's finest defensive prospects and made his senior debut under Xabi Alonso in December.
Valdepenas, who stands at 6ft 2in, is left-footed and capable of playing at left-back, centre-back and left wing-back. Scouts have described him as a 'monster' and a 'physical beast', while his calmness in possession and technical skills are said to make him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta's system.
Arsenal have been monitoring Valdepenas extensively throughout the campaign and he is understood to be a prominent name on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window. However, no formal approach has yet been made, and the Gunners are expected to face competition from Bundesliga clubs Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
Despite Arsenal's depth in the left-back area, with Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly all capable of playing there, the club's high regard for Valdepenas suggests they see him as a valuable addition. The teenager signed new terms with Real Madrid in January, running until June 2029, but his release clause remains a bargain for a player of his potential.
