Arsenal are unwilling to back out in their pursuit of Real Madrid prodigy Victor Valdepenas and are looking to lure the defender to the Emirates.
Valdepenas, 19, has been on Arsenal’s radar since last year, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Gunners have their sights set on the youngster. Subsequent reports claimed the Premier League giants were monitoring his situation and working behind the scenes to secure his signature.
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In the latest development from AS DiaryArsenal are still in the running for Valdepenas and continue to keep tabs on him. The defender came through the ranks at Real Madrid and made his first team debut in the club’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in December 2025.
However, after that time, he has only been featuring for Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve team. He has played as both a centre-back and a left-back for the reserve team.
While Valdepenas’ current market value stands at €5 million, as per Transfermarkt, Arsenal and other suitors will have to cough up a significant amount to acquire his services, with AS stating that Madrid have increased his release clause above the previous €50 million. The Spaniard’s current deal with Los Blancos will run until 2029, thanks to a contract extension signed in 2024.
In addition to the Gunners, Valdepenas is also attracting interest from AC Milan and the Bundesliga, but nothing has been decided yet.
Arsenal join Real Madrid in race for Bayer Leverkusen star – Reports
According to Sky Germany’s Florian PlettenbergArsenal have on their radar Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, who is also a target for Real Madrid.
Kofane is enjoying a brilliant debut season in the Bundesliga, having joined Bayer Leverkusen from Albacete last summer. So far, he has registered 15 goal contributions in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Plettenberg categorically stated that Kofane’s Champions League round of 16 performances left a big impression on the Gunners. The north London team and Leverkusen faced off last month across two legs, with Kofane giving William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes a run for their money. The source adds that other Premier League sides, as well as Madrid, are monitoring the striker.
Despite his brilliant form, it is said that Bayer Leverkusen are not ruling out the possibility of parting ways with the Cameroonian, and would consider a fee in the region of €60-70 for a summer transfer.
Kofane’s current deal with Leverkusen will expire in 2029, and his current market value is €40, as per Transfermarkt.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
