Sports
Arsenal now in the picture to sign “excellent” Real Madrid player
Arsenal are now in the picture to sign a Real Madrid player, who was recently called “excellent” by manager Xabi Alonso.
Title race heating up as January window looms
As we edge towards the mid-way stage of the Premier League season, the title race is very much heating up, with Manchester City winning their last four matches to keep the pressure on the Gunners at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta‘s side made hard work of it, but they just about got over the line against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, picking up a late 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, with the visitors scoring two own goals.
As such, the north Londoners remain two points clear of City as things stand, while Theo Walcott has made it clear he believes Aston Villa can challenge for the title too, saying: “When you have a difficult start to the season it can go one of two ways as a team and a squad but Unai Emery has obviously got that confidence in them.”
“They’re playing some good stuff at this moment in time so for me they are a problem. But I am concerned about Man City.”
With the chasing pack hot on their heels, Arsenal are looking to strengthen in the January transfer window, and earlier this month it was revealed they were preparing a huge bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
However, the Brazilian forward is not the only Madrid player of interest to the Gunners, according to a report from ESPN Deportes (via Sport Witness), which states they are now in the picture to sign Víctor Valdepeñas in 2026.
Valdepenas, who is able to play at both centre-back and left-back, recently made his breakthrough at the Spanish club, and a number of clubs are in the race for his signature, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen also keen.
The 19-year-old is eager to remain with the La Liga side, but the north Londoners are closely monitoring him, and Madrid would be left with a decision to make if a convincing bid were to be made.
“Excellent” Valdepenas off to solid start in Real Madrid’s first team
The teenager made his debut for Real Madrid in their 2-1 victory against Alaves last time out, featuring at left-back, and Alonso was left impressed with his performance.
The Spanish youngster particularly impressed with his ability to win back possession, making five tackles, the highest number of any player, while also winning seven duels throughout the match.
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That said, Valdepenas is yet to prove himself over a sustained time period, having only played for RM Castilla prior to the victory against Alaves, so Arsenal should continue to monitor his performances between now and the summer, rather than making a January move.
