🛡️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗔? Arsenal ‘Move Fast’ to Secure Real Madrid’s £𝟰𝟰𝗺 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗩í𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲ñ𝗮𝘀! 🛡️🔴
By 247sportcity | Tuesday, January 20, 2026
NORTH LONDON – History has a funny way of repeating itself at the Emirates. When Arsenal signed a teenage William Saliba in 2019, many questioned the fee for a player who had barely tasted senior football. Today, Saliba is the gold standard for Premier League defenders. Now, according to explosive reports from The Sun and Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta is preparing to strike again—this time targeting Real Madrid’s 19-year-old “monster,” Víctor Valdepeñas.
The Gunners have reportedly been monitoring the Madrid-born defender for years, but his senior debut last month has turned a long-term “watch” into an immediate “mission.” Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, are said to be “working hard” to beat European giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen to a deal that could redefine the Arsenal backline for a decade.
Who is Víctor Valdepeñas? The ‘La Fábrica’ Phenom
Born in October 2006, Valdepeñas is the latest crown jewel of Real Madrid’s La Fábrica academy. While primarily a centre-back, his senior debut against Alaves on December 14, 2025, saw him deployed at left-back—a performance that showcased the “hybrid” versatility that Mikel Arteta craves.
Standing at 1.88m (6ft 2in) and possessing recovery pace that has been clocked at elite speeds, Valdepeñas fits the Saliba blueprint perfectly:
- The Pace: He is described as a “beast” in transition, capable of covering large spaces behind a high defensive line.
- The Composure: In his 78 minutes of La Liga action, he registered a 94.1% pass accuracy, looking entirely unfazed by the bright lights of the Spanish top flight.
- The Profile: A left-footed defender (highly rare and coveted) who can also dominate physically in the air.
The ‘£44m Release Clause’ Dilemma
Real Madrid, fully aware of the interest from England and Germany, recently moved to protect their asset. Valdepeñas signed a contract extension until June 2029, which reportedly includes a €50 million (£44 million) release clause.
While Madrid are under no pressure to sell, reports from Sports Mole and Just Arsenal suggest that the Gunners are looking to move “decisively and fast” to avoid a summer bidding war. Arsenal’s strategy is clear: activate the clause or negotiate a slightly lower fixed fee with performance-related add-ons before the June rush.
[Table: The Comparison – Valdepeñas vs The Premier League Elite]
| Metric (Per 90) | Víctor Valdepeñas (25/26) | William Saliba (25/26) | Note |
| Pass Accuracy | 94.1% | 92.8% | Elite ball-retention |
| Recovery Speed | High | High | Vital for Arteta’s high line |
| Versatility | CB / LB | CB | Valdepeñas offers LB cover |
| Age | 19 | 24 | The “Next Gen” Successor |
| Release Clause | £44m | N/A | Market-value “snip” |
Why Arteta is Obsessed: The ‘Tactical Hybrid’
Mikel Arteta has spent his tenure building a defense of “transformers”—players like Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber who can shift positions without a drop in quality. Valdepeñas is seen as the ultimate evolution of this philosophy.
Arsenal’s interest is also driven by the club’s “Spanish Connection.” Following the massive success of signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia last year, the recruitment team believes the Spanish market offers the best technical-to-physical ratio for defenders. If Arsenal can pair Valdepeñas with Saliba and Gabriel, they would arguably possess the most formidable defensive rotation in world football.
The Competition: Dortmund and Leverkusen Lurk
Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly “determined” to land Valdepeñas, viewing him as their next big “buy-low, sell-high” project. Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen—led by former Madrid icon Xabi Alonso—have a direct line to the player’s camp.
However, the “Arteta Factor” remains strong. The chance to work under a manager who has successfully developed Saliba, Gabriel, and White into world-class stars is a powerful lure.
Final Verdict: A Summer Blockbuster?
While Real Madrid are desperate to keep their “beast,” the lack of a clear pathway to the first team behind Rüdiger and Militão may force the player’s hand. Valdepeñas has spoken about his “dream” of playing for Madrid, but the promise of immediate Premier League football and a starring role in a title-chasing side could prove irresistible.
If Arsenal can close this deal swiftly, they won’t just be signing a backup; they’ll be securing the defensive pillar for the next ten years.