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Arsenal target Real Madrid wonderkid after 'special' debut
Tom Weber
- Updated: 15 Dec 2025 17:41 GMT
- 4 min read
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Arsenal are keeping tabs on Real Madrid youngster Victor Valdepenas, according to a report.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for Los Blancos in Sunday's crucial win over Deportivo Alaves, which saved the job of head coach Xabi Alonso for the time being.
The Real Madrid Castilla prospect had to come in to the side due to the suspensions of Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia, as well as several injuries. He played from the start and was at fault for Alaves' goal, but apart from this one mistake, he was solid.
"We conceded on the only occasion that Valdepenas made a mistake, because in all the others he was very accurate and played very well," Alonso explained in his post-match press conference.
"Valdepenas made his debut, and I congratulate him from here, not only for his debut but for the match he played. He competed and was very steady. Making your debut with Real Madrid is always a special day."
Arsenal eye Valdepenas move
It was ESPN Deportes which revealed that Valdepenas would be handed his debut against Alaves before the match, and the outlet provided some more intriguing information on the teenager.
It is claimed that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Valdepenas' development for some time, while Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on the Spain youth international.
So far, Real Madrid have yet to receive an offer for the versatile defender, who can play at left-back as he did against Alaves and at centre-back. However, the interest is expected to become more concrete in the summer.
Valdepenas would ideally like to stay at Real Madrid, but there is an awareness that consistently breaking into the first team hasn't always been easy for Castilla players in recent years. Therefore, a future departure could be possible. For now, the situation remains quiet.
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