Arsenal are now keen to sign an “explosive” player from Real Madrid, having clearly been impressed after carrying out a reconnaissance mission.
The Gunners are increasingly interested in the new defender
The January transfer has been quiet for the Gunners so far, but there has now been some movement, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Oleksandr Zinchenko is closing in on a move to Ajax.
Given that Zinchenko has been on loan at Nottingham Forest, there may be no need to bring in a new left-back, but it has now emerged that Mikel Arteta’s side are actually interested in signing Federico Dimarco from Inter Milan.
With Ben White’s future in north London uncertain, amid interest from Everton, Arteta could perhaps also bring in another versatile defender in the summer transfer window, and a Real Madrid ace has now been identified as a target.
This is according to a report from The Sun, which states that Arsenal are now interested in signing Victor Valdepenas, who is capable of playing in three positions, having played at center back, left back and even left midfielder throughout his career so far.
The Gunners watched Valdepenas in action during a reconnaissance mission, and they were apparently impressed by what they saw, although they might choose to wait until the end of the season before making a move.
It could also be difficult to entice the Spanish giants into a sale, given they view him as an exciting young player, and there could be rival interest from some of Europe’s other big clubs.
‘Explosive’ Valdepenas yet to gain much first-team experience
The 19-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Real Madrid, who arrived in La Liga earlier this season, although he impressed on his debut, with Xabi Alonso describing his performance as “excellent”.
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Recruiter Ben Mattinson also praised the Madrid defender, describing him as an “explosive ball carrier” last June, so there are signs he could be a solid long-term addition to Arteta’s squad.
That said, the Spaniard is yet to prove himself at first-team level, so signing him could be a gamble, especially as there is arguably no pressing need to bring in a new defender, with White’s contract only expiring in 2028.
Unless the Englishman pushes to leave this summer, Arsenal are expected to keep White as a rotation option, and with Arteta’s side recording the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, signing a new defender should not be a priority.
