Arsenal have yet to make a signing in the January transfer window, but behind the scenes, the club's recruitment team is actively planning for the future. Despite sitting top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, the Gunners are exploring moves to bolster their defensive options, with scouts deployed to watch exciting talents in Spain and Italy.
Gunners Track Real Madrid's Rising Star
According to reports, Arsenal have set their sights on 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas. The Gunners' sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to be an admirer of the versatile Spanish youth, who can operate as a left-sided centre-back or left-back.
Despite significant investment in those positions last summer, the club has reportedly sent scouts to monitor the 6ft 2in prospect. Valdepenas made his first-team debut for Los Blancos last month against Alaves, playing at left-back before being substituted in the 78th minute.
However, prising him away from the Bernabeu will be a significant challenge. Real Madrid are unlikely to be keen on selling a promising academy product to a direct European rival. Fabrizio Romano has noted that Arsenal's interest has been ongoing for several months, with the club hoping to replicate their successful capture of Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal Could Disrupt Manchester United's Dimarco Interest
In another development, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Inter Milan's experienced wing-back, Federico Dimarco. The 28-year-old Italian international has been one of Europe's most consistent performers in his position, which previously attracted interest from Manchester United.
That interest from Old Trafford has reportedly cooled following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, whose system relied heavily on wing-backs. This shift could open the door for Arsenal to make a move, potentially in the summer transfer window.
Dimarco's current contract at the San Siro runs until 2027, and he is yet to agree on an extension. Inter are aware of the external interest and are preparing a new offer to tie him down until at least 2029 with improved terms.
January Window Quiet Despite Need for Improvement
Arsenal's recent 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest highlighted ongoing issues in chance creation and finishing, suggesting the squad is not the finished article. Nevertheless, the club's historical reluctance to spend big in January, coupled with their heavy investment last summer, means a major signing this month appears unlikely.
Mikel Arteta currently boasts one of the deepest squads in the Premier League, and the primary focus remains on planning for the summer. These latest scouting missions for Valdepenas and Dimarco appear to be part of that longer-term strategy, as Arsenal look to build a squad capable of sustaining a title challenge for years to come.
