Arsenal in the picture to sign Real Madrid ace, who won 7 duels vs Alaves

Arsenal are closely monitoring Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas ahead of a potential approach next summer, according to ESPN Deportes.

The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for Madrid during their 2-1 win over Alaves in La Liga last weekend.

He had a good start with a strong showing, and ESPN claim that he could be the subject of widespread interest.

Arsenal are ‘closely monitoring’ the versatile centre-back alongside Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

Valdepenas has a clear desire to stay with Los Blancos, but that will depend on the club’s plans for him next term.

Arsenal unlikely to pursue deal for Valdepenas

The teenager is primarily a centre-back who can also operate from the left side of the defence.

He had a memorable Madrid debut on the road to Alaves yesterday. He had a passing accuracy of 94 percent and won seven out of 12 ground duels contested.

The Spaniard also made three tackles, three recoveries and induced three fouls. It was a memorable debut after he was asked to fill the void left at left-back due to several absentees.

ESPN Deportes reported Arsenal’s interest before yesterday’s game, but we don’t believe the Gunners will make an approach for the youngster at the end of the season.

Arsenal are well-equipped in the left centre-back position. The club have three possible left-footed solutions in Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori.

Similarly, manager Mikel Arteta has the option to play Calafiori, Hincapie, Jurrien Timber or Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back. Hincapie’s loan deal includes an obligation to buy.

We believe the speculation is purely agent-driven to gauge any future transfer interest. Valdepenas could pursue a move to another top European side if Madrid can’t assure him game time.

The 19-year-old only made his debut at left-back yesterday as Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga were injured, while Fran García and Alvaro Carreras were suspended.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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