Real Madrid have a fight on their hands to keep hold of one of their most exciting prospects as AC Milan and Arsenal are eyeing the teenage starlet. Florentino Perez's transfer chiefs are in the midst of building a new Los Blancos team that is focused on youth who have the potential to become world beaters.
That includes scouring the globe for young talent who have shown they can become world class in the future. Endrick's transfer back in 2024 came with this in mind and he's now showing just how ridiculously talented he is while on loan at Lyon.
Madrid aren't just using the transfer market to build a new team in a new era but also the club's academy. Several members of the Castilla team have impressed so much so that they have attracted interest from European clubs.
AC Milan prepared to rival Arsenal for Real Madrid youngster
One Madrid youth star who is catching the eye is Victor Valdepenas and reports indicate that Arsenal are tracking his progress. The Gunners' interest is a concern for the La Liga giants given they have been able to hand their versatile center-back a place in the senior team thus far.
The 19-year-old has looked the real deal when performing for Castilla and that includes this season. He has appeared 24 times across competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Valdepenas was handed his senior debut off the bench in a 2-1 win over Alaves in December. That came under Xabi Alonso and current caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa hasn't called on him since replacing Alonso in early January.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, AC Milan are now 'closely' keeping tabs on the defender who can also play at left-back. A potential deal could be aided by the good relations between the two clubs, having done business with one another in recent years.
Milan's interest is understandable given the promise shown by the Spaniard at the very start of his career. Such is the hype surrounding the six-foot-two-inch defender that Madrid Live (via One Football) label him a 'monster' and a 'beast.'
Madrid are at risk of losing Valdepenas
This same report claims that Valdepenas has a €50 million release clause in his contract which expires in 2029. The Gunners are thought to be considering triggering this although there's no word on whether the player is willing to leave.
Madrid won't be able to prevent the Spain U19 from moving if that clause is triggered. It's a real nuisance because he has shown he could be a long-term option at both center-back and left-back.
The chances of Arbeloa turning to the teenage prospect before the end of the season are slim. There is no Copa del Rey action for Los Merengues and all of their remaining matches are must-win.