Arsenal eye Real Madrid teen Valdepeñas

Gunners face competition from other top clubs for the 19-year-old defender

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Real Madrid's Víctor Valdepeñas is among Arsenal's favored options as Mikel Arteta aims to further reinforce his back line in the summer transfer window. The Gunners will face competition to land the 19-year-old, who plays at either left back or center back for the Castilla side and has made one appearance at the senior level, with several other top clubs in Europe interested.

Why it matters

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their defense in the upcoming transfer window, and Valdepeñas has emerged as a top target. The young Spaniard's versatility to play both left-back and center-back makes him an attractive option for the Gunners. However, they will have to fend off interest from other European heavyweights to secure his signature.

The details

Víctor Valdepeñas, a 19-year-old defender, is one of Arsenal's primary targets to bolster their backline this summer. The Spaniard currently plays for Real Madrid's Castilla side and has made one appearance for the senior team. Arsenal face competition from several other top clubs, including AC Milan and Bundesliga teams, who have also expressed interest in signing Valdepeñas.

  • Valdepeñas has made one appearance for Real Madrid's senior team.

The players

Víctor Valdepeñas

A 19-year-old defender who plays for Real Madrid's Castilla side and has made one appearance for the senior team.

Mikel Arteta

The manager of Arsenal, who is looking to strengthen his team's defense in the upcoming transfer window.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Arsenal's pursuit of Víctor Valdepeñas highlights their desire to bolster their defensive options, but they will face stiff competition from other top European clubs for the young Real Madrid defender's signature.