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Arsenal are among a host of teams who have “positioned” themselves to sign Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas this summer, according to reports in the Spanish media.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent months, but after having his contract renewed in December, it was assumed that he would be staying at the Bernabeu.
In addition to an improved salary, Valdepenas’ new deal included a release clause which is worth in excess of €50m (£44m). The figure was designed to put off other clubs.
However, AS claim that the teenager’s future remains undecided, with the Gunners, AC Milan and teams in Germany all keeping tabs on his situation.
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What do fans need to know about Valdepenas?
The defender was born in Madrid, and he spent some time bouncing around several different academies, including Raya Vallecano and Leganes, before settling at Real in 2022.
Valdepenas made his way up the youth ranks and subsequently made his senior debut for Real Madrid C. He also had outings for Castilla (the B team) prior to making his first appearance for the senior side against Alaves back in mid-December.
The teenager started at left-back and lasted 78 minutes before being substituted during the 2-1 win. That is his one and only appearance for the La Liga side until now.
Why are Arsenal interested in the player?
Sporting director Andrea Berta has strong contacts in Spain, and he masterminded the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia last summer.
Valdepenas is likely seen as another market opportunity, who can add even more depth to the backline. The Spaniard is equally adept at playing as either a centre-back or left-back, much like Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.
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