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Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are looking to sign Real Madrid prospect dubbed a ‘physical marvel’

Originally posted on HITC | By Shamanth Jayaram | Last updated Oct 4, 2025 10:21 AM ET

Even though the transfer window closed over a month ago, Arsenal are still busy behind the scenes.

Andrea Berta brought in eight new players during the summer, giving the Gunners squad depth that’s been described as ‘frightening’.

The Gunners are unlikely to bring in any first-team players this January, but they’re always looking for ways to strengthen their academy. Arsenal have had an eye on a Real Madrid youngster for a while now.

Fabrizio Romano links Arsenal with interest in Real Madrid’s Victor Valdepenas

Arsenal are always on the lookout for talented young players. Few clubs can match the academy talent that Arsenal have produced in recent years. The club’s youth system continues to deliver, building a strong foundation for future success.

The rise of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and now Max Dowman has already saved Mikel Arteta’s side millions in transfer fees.

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Now, Arsenal want to strengthen their academy further by signing exciting young players, and Real Madrid’s Victor Valdepenas is on their radar.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have been monitoring the teenager for months and are interested in signing him. But it will not be easy.

The journalist said on the Here We Go podcast: “Look, I have one name. It is a talent that Arsenal have been monitoring for a few months now, and is a player they keep observing. It’s not going to be easy at all because he’s a Real Madrid player, but the name is Victor Valdepenas, also called Valde.

“He’s considered an important talent, a very young player from the Real Madrid youth sector, centre-back, Spanish, talented. Arsenal have been monitoring him for some time.”

Who is Victor Valdepenas, the Arsenal target?

Valdepenas is an 18-year-old centre-back who plays for Real Madrid’s youth side.

The Spanish youngster has appeared in the senior Los Blancos squad once, though he didn’t make it onto the pitch that day.

He’s been a consistent presence in Real Madrid Castilla under Alvaro Arbeloa, and his displays haven’t gone unnoticed.

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Marca have described Valde as a ‘physical marvel’, noting his intensity and impressive work rate over the course of matches.

The 18-year-old mainly operates as a centre-back but is also capable of filling in at left-back or even left-wing-back, thanks to his physical attributes.

Valdepenas is under contract with Real Madrid until the summer of 2029. Whether Arsenal can persuade the club to part ways with him any time soon remains to be seen.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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