Arsenal now "working hard" to sign Spanish ace before Borussia Dortmund - report

Arsenal are prepared to provide stern competition to Borussia Dortmund in the pursuit of Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas, according to Bild.

The 19-year-old made his first-team debut for Los Blancos during the 2-1 win over Alaves in La Liga last weekend. He started the game at left-back due to the absence of several first-team stars.

Valdepenas was back on the bench for the midweek Copa del Rey clash against Talavera, and Bild claim that Dortmund believe he may struggle to secure regular minutes under manager Xabi Alonso.

The German outfit are planning an approach, but their chances of signing Valdepenas could be scuppered by Arsenal, who are ‘working hard behind the scenes’ to prise the teenager away from Madrid.

Arsenal don’t require another left-back

Valdepenas had a wonderful debut showing against Alaves last weekend. The teenager completed 94 percent of his passes, and also won seven duels and five tackles alongside three recoveries.

Despite his fine display, he was an unused substitute yesterday. Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia were back after suspensions, and the latter started from the left-back position against Talavera.

Aside from the above duo, Ferland Mendy is another solution in the role when fit. This could urge Valdepenas to pursue a new challenge, but securing his signature won’t be easy.

His current contract expires in June 2029. Arsenal are unlikely to make a big outlay to persuade Madrid, given they are already well loaded with options in the left-back department at the moment.

The Gunners have started Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapie and Jurrien Timber in the position this term. Valdepenas can also play in central defence, but Arsenal have Gabriel Magalhaes, Hincapie, Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, who could slot in the left-back centre-back role when fit.

Arsenal are unlikely to make an approach for Valdepenas, and the speculation could be agent-driven to secure him a big-club move. Dortmund have a good working relationship with Madrid. They sold Jude Bellingham to Los Blancos and previously loaned Ashraf Hakimi for a couple of seasons.

The German outfit could propose a temporary deal or a permanent move with a buy-back clause for Valdepenas to give themselves an edge over other suitors, including Bayer Leverkusen.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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