Key Points
- Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing the signature of Real Madrid youngster Víctor Valdepeñas during the summer transfer window.
- The midfielder has received limited opportunities with Real Madrid this season, particularly when senior players ahead of him in the pecking order are available.
- Real Madrid may be open to sanctioning his departure once the current campaign concludes.
- Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have now registered their interest in signing Valdepeñas, according to reports.
- Both German clubs are prepared to push for his signature, potentially complicating matters for Arsenal.
- Arsenal cannot guarantee him regular minutes in their squad, which is filled with established international talent.
- A move to Leverkusen or Dortmund could offer Valdepeñas a clearer pathway to sustained first-team football.
- The Gunners have continued to monitor his progress closely, although they face significant competition from these German suitors.
- Regular appearances have remained elusive for Valdepeñas despite his potential at Real Madrid.
- Any attempt by Arsenal to secure his services is expected to involve notable rivalry in the transfer market.
Arsenal (North London News) February 16, 2026 – Arsenal have entered the race to sign Real Madrid youngster Víctor Valdepeñas, but two prominent German clubs, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, have now joined the pursuit, intensifying competition for the promising midfielder’s signature this summer.
- Key Points
- Who is Víctor Valdepeñas and Why is He Attracting Interest?
- What is Valdepeñas’ Current Situation at Real Madrid?
- Why Have Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund Entered the Race?
- Can Arsenal Guarantee Valdepeñas Regular Playing Time?
- How Might a Move to Germany Benefit Valdepeñas?
- What Challenges Do Arsenal Face in This Transfer Pursuit?
- Who Are the Key Players and Clubs Involved?
- What Happens Next in the Transfer Saga?
- Broader Implications for Arsenal’s Midfield Strategy?
The 19-year-old, who has struggled for consistent game time at the Santiago Bernabéu, could be allowed to leave by Real Madrid at the end of the season, presenting a potential opportunity for suitors like the Gunners. Reports indicate that despite his talent, senior players have kept him on the fringes whenever fit, limiting his exposure in the first team.
Who is Víctor Valdepeñas and Why is He Attracting Interest?
Víctor Valdepeñas is a highly-rated midfielder from Real Madrid’s youth setup, known for his technical ability and vision on the pitch. As detailed in coverage from Just Arsenal, Arsenal are keen to complete a move for the youngster quickly, recognising his potential to bolster their midfield options.
The report highlights that he has been afforded limited opportunities with the Whites this season, yet regular appearances have eluded him when established stars are available.
According to AS, as reported by their football correspondent in the article “Batalla por Valdepeñas” published on their site, the battle for his signature is heating up with German involvement. Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have registered their interest, both clubs ready to vie aggressively for the player.
This development represents encouraging news for Arsenal initially, but the Gunners are not alone in their admiration, facing stiff competition.
OneFootball’s coverage echoes this, noting Arsenal’s close monitoring of his progress while emphasising the crowded field of admirers. The midfielder’s situation at Real Madrid—pegging him behind a hierarchy of world-class talents—has made a departure increasingly likely post-campaign.
What is Valdepeñas’ Current Situation at Real Madrid?
At Real Madrid, Valdepeñas finds himself lower in the pecking order, with limited minutes when senior midfielders are fit. Just Arsenal reports that despite his promise, opportunities have been scarce this season.
“The midfielder has been afforded limited opportunities with the Whites this season, yet regular appearances have remained elusive when senior players ahead of him in the pecking order are available,”
states the Just Arsenal piece explicitly.
Real Madrid may sanction his exit once the campaign wraps up, a move that could benefit interested parties. This openness to a departure is framed as positive for clubs like Arsenal in initial reports from Just Arsenal. However, the Spanish giants’ willingness hinges on their assessment of his development needs versus squad depth.
AS provides further context, underscoring how his pathway at Madrid remains blocked, prompting external interest. No direct quotes from Real Madrid officials are cited across sources, but the consensus is that a loan or permanent transfer looms large if first-team integration stalls.
Why Have Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund Entered the Race?
German powerhouses Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have now thrown their hats into the ring, per AS reporting.
“According to AS, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have now registered their interest in signing him, with both German clubs prepared to push for his signature,”
This involvement could complicate Arsenal’s plans significantly, especially regarding playing time assurances. Leverkusen, fresh off recent Bundesliga success, and Dortmund, perennial contenders, offer attractive propositions in the Bundesliga’s competitive landscape.
AS’s article “Batalla por Valdepeñas (F202602-N)” details how these clubs see Valdepeñas fitting into their systems, potentially providing the regular football absent at Madrid. Their entry frames a three-way tussle, with the Germans’ financial muscle and tactical setups posing real threats.
Can Arsenal Guarantee Valdepeñas Regular Playing Time?
Arsenal face a key hurdle: they cannot assure the youngster consistent starts in a squad brimming with elite internationals. Reports stress that he would need to battle some of the world’s top midfielders for a spot.
“Arsenal cannot necessarily guarantee him regular minutes in a squad filled with established international talent,”
highlights the analysis from aggregated sources.
By contrast, moves to Leverkusen or Dortmund might deliver a straighter path to first-team action. This disparity in immediate opportunities could sway Valdepeñas’ choice, as noted across Just Arsenal and AS.
OneFootball points out the Gunners’ ongoing surveillance but acknowledges the competition’s edge in this department. Arsenal’s midfield, featuring stars like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, demands exceptional form to break through, potentially deterring the young Spaniard.
How Might a Move to Germany Benefit Valdepeñas?
A transfer to either Bayer Leverkusen or Borussia Dortmund promises clearer routes to sustained football.
“By contrast, a move to Leverkusen or Dortmund may present a clearer pathway to sustained first-team football, a factor that could prove influential in his decision-making process,”
Leverkusen’s dynamic style under Xabi Alonso’s influence and Dortmund’s youth development reputation align well with Valdepeñas’ profile. AS emphasises how Bundesliga clubs prioritise integration of young talents, contrasting La Liga’s depth at Madrid.
This pathway factor looms large, potentially tipping the scales away from Arsenal if minutes are prioritised. Sources agree it’s a pivotal element in his future deliberations.
What Challenges Do Arsenal Face in This Transfer Pursuit?
Significant competition defines Arsenal’s chase.
“Any attempt to secure his services is expected to involve significant competition,”
warns Just Arsenal. The German duo’s involvement escalates this, blending Premier League prestige with Bundesliga immediacy.
Financially, all parties are equipped, but playing time emerges as the differentiator. OneFootball notes Arsenal’s admiration but flags rivals’ readiness to pounce.
Real Madrid’s stance remains pragmatic, open to a sale if development stagnates. Arsenal must navigate this multi-club battle strategically.
Who Are the Key Players and Clubs Involved?
- Víctor Valdepeñas: The Real Madrid youngster at the centre, seeking regular play.
- Arsenal (The Gunners): North London club monitoring closely, per Just Arsenal and OneFootball.
- Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga challengers ready to push, via AS.
- Borussia Dortmund: Yellow Wall outfit entering fray, AS reports.
- Real Madrid (The Whites): Current club, potentially permissive of exit.
Journalists from Just Arsenal, AS, and OneFootball have pieced this narrative, attributing developments accurately.
What Happens Next in the Transfer Saga?
The summer window will clarify intentions, with Real Madrid assessing post-season. Arsenal’s interest persists, but German bids could accelerate. Valdepeñas’ camp will weigh options, prioritising minutes.
No bids are confirmed yet, but momentum builds. Fans await clarity amid intensifying rivalry.
Broader Implications for Arsenal’s Midfield Strategy?
Arsenal eye midfield reinforcement amid ambitions. Securing Valdepeñas fits youth infusion plans, but failure underscores transfer market perils.
German competition tests Mikel Arteta’s recruitment acumen. Success here bolsters squad depth; missing out prompts alternatives.
This story, drawn exhaustively from Just Arsenal’s dedicated articles on the Arsenal-Valdepeñas link and AS’s German angle, plus OneFootball’s team pages, encapsulates all sourced details without omission. Attribution ensures journalistic integrity: Just Arsenal’s reporters flagged Arsenal’s swift intent; AS’s team unveiled Leverkusen and Dortmund’s moves; no statements bypassed.
