Real Madrid's academy is celebrated as one of the best in the world and it stands to reason that top European clubs monitor talent thriving at youth level. Some members of the youth camp decide to bid farewell because they realize there is too much competition for them to break into the senior team.
That might be the case with Victor Valdepenas who made his debut back in December. He came off the bench at left-back in the second half of a 2-1 win over Alaves.
Valdepenas is viewed as one of the most promising talents at the club but could be on the move. He is on Arsenal's radar and the Gunners have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old for a long time.
Arsenal prepare to swoop for Valdepenas
Valdepenas might have to decide on his future come summertime, as an Arsenal offer could be on the table. A report from The Sun claims the Gunners have been scouting the Spanish teenager, with other top European clubs also monitoring the versatile defender.
Mikel Arteta continues to strengthen his defense at the Emirates despite the arrivals of Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera last summer. He is said to be eyeing a young defender and someone who can offer a versatile profile.
Valdepenas is a center-back by trade but can also play at left-back and this is said to be "attractive." He has caught the eye at youth level, appearing 16 times in the Primera Federacion this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Valdepenas's dream is Madrid
While Arsenal and other European giants are clearly weighing up a move for Valdepenas they might need to convince him to pull the plug on his dream. After he made his debut against Alaves he spoke of how long he had been waiting for the moment he pulled on a Los Merengues shirt.
Valdepenas told Realmadrid TV: “It’s a dream, every child’s dream.“I’ve been dreaming about it since I started playing football. It’s impossible to explain how I feel.”
That's why Madrid might feel they are in a strong position to keep him at the Estadio Bernabeu if Arsenal do come calling. He has an opportunity to show he warrants a place in the senior team amid several veteran players' contracts expiring this summer.
Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba will be out of contract and as things stand it looks likely they will become free agents. While Florentino Perez's recruitment staff could be in the market for a new defender, they might also be willing to pin their hopes on the teenage prospect with at least regular game time next season.