Fabrizio Romano has confirmed club officials have spent 'some time' keeping a close eye on Valdepeñas. Valdepeñas is tied to Madrid until the summer of 2029 after his development was rewarded with a new contract in October 2024, meaning Arsenal may have a battle on their hands to convince Madrid to sell. While Madrid usually have no issues entertaining offers for their emerging talents, they usually do so with the demand that a buy-back clause is included. Smaller sides often agree to that request but Arsenal are highly unlikely to do so.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal have been monitoring Víctor Valdepeñas, an 18-year-old talent from Real Madrid's youth sector, for a few months. Romano identified the Spanish prospect as a talented centre-back, and it is also noted he can operate at left-back. The transfer insider suggested a deal would not be easy, explaining that players generally want to stay at Real Madrid, viewing it as the best possible project. Nevertheless, Arsenal are said to be tracking and observing the young defender.