Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youngster attracting interest from several clubs across Europe including Arsenal
Victor Valdepenas is seen as one of the most talented young footballers coming through the ranks at Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old has become an important part of the Castilla setup this term, playing more than 2000 minutes in all competitions. The centre-back also made his first-team debut for Los Blancos back in December, starting against Alaves.
Interest growing in Valdepenas
Now, according to AS, several clubs across Europe have been tracking Valdepenas, with the Real Madrid academy product in high demand heading into the summer transfer window.
In 2024, he had already attracted the attention of scouts from major clubs such as Arsenal, an interest that has persisted.
Other sides like Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund have also followed his progress, alongside Italian clubs including AC Milan and AS Roma.
But the most concrete interest in Valdepenas seems to be coming from Eintracht Frankfurt. The German side, managed by Albert Riera, have positioned themselves strongly in recent weeks.
The presence of the Spanish coach could ease the player’s adaptation, and discussions so far have been positive. This places Frankfurt among the leading candidates.
At this stage, negotiations have not yet reached the point of discussing formal terms. Those conditions will ultimately be set by Real Madrid, with the club recognising that the summer will be a key moment for negotiations involving several of their young talents.
Valdepenas recently agreed improved terms in December, shortly after his first-team debut. This adjustment rewarded his performances but did not extend the duration of his deal, which remains valid until 30 June 2029.
However, it did include an increase in his release clause, now set at €50 million, as well as a salary rise.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
