New Real Madrid debutant has already been on Arsenal’s radar

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·15 December 2025

New Real Madrid debutant has already been on Arsenal’s radar

Xabi Alonso handed a first-team debut to Víctor Valdepeñas for Real Madrid last night, and the teenager delivered a solid and composed performance. For many football fans around the world, it was the first opportunity to see him feature at senior level, marking an important moment in his development.

While the appearance may have come as a surprise to some, Valdepeñas has been a key figure within the Madrid youth teams for several seasons. His consistent displays at youth level have not gone unnoticed, and several clubs, including Arsenal, have closely followed his progress. The Gunners have maintained a strong focus on identifying elite young talent, and he is one of the prospects they have been tracking carefully.

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Arsenal’s long-term interest in Valdepeñas

Arsenal have monitored Valdepeñas for some time and were confident that his development trajectory would eventually earn him an opportunity in the Real Madrid first team. That chance arrived in the match against Alaves, where he was trusted to perform in a competitive environment despite having no prior senior experience at that level.

He responded with a confident and disciplined display, showing maturity beyond his years. For a player making his competitive debut, his performance stood out for its calmness and positional awareness. This outing has further validated Arsenal’s long-standing interest, reinforcing their belief that he possesses the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.

The defender himself will now be focused on building momentum and continuing his progression within the Madrid setup. A strong debut can often act as a foundation for future opportunities, and Valdepeñas will be eager to prove that he belongs at senior level.

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Monitoring future development

According to ESPN Deportes, Arsenal were pleased to see Valdepeñas make his first-team debut, as it confirmed that they have been closely following a player with genuine potential. His performance offered reassurance that their scouting assessments were accurate.

The report adds that Arsenal will now continue to monitor his development closely before deciding when to make a formal approach. Valdepeñas’ versatility adds to his appeal, as he can play both left back and centre back. That adaptability fits well with Arsenal’s recruitment profile, suggesting his progress will remain under close observation as his career advances.

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