'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas for a potential deal next summer. According to ESPN Desportes (via Transfer News Live), the Gunners have been scouting the 19-year-old for some time.
The Spanish defender made his debut for Real Madrid's senior team during Los Blancos' 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves in the La Liga on December 15. Despite primarily being a centre-back, the 19-year-old made his first-team debut as a left-back.
Valdepenas broke into the first team due to the club's long list of injuries. The likes of Ferland Mendy, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are sidelined due to injuries, while Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras were suspended for the match.
Trending
The 19-year-old joined Real Madrid's U17 side in 2022 from Leganes Youth. Since then, he has played for all the youth teams of Los Blancos, having previously featured for RM Castilla before making his first-team debut. In his 28 appearances for RM Castilla, the 19-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist.
With options including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, Arsenal's defence department currently appears well-stocked. Mikel Arteta also has the option to play Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie, currently on a loan deal, on the left side.
However, the Gunners might consider signing the 19-year-old to play as a centre-back, where injuries have been a huge concern for the club.
Real Madrid leading the race to sign 19-year-old Brazilian attacker ahead of Arsenal: Reports
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Real Madrid are reportedly the frontrunners in the race to sign Rayan Vitor, ahead of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
Currently playing for Vasco da Gama, the Brazilian forward has garnered the interest of top European clubs with his attacking prowess and versatility. Making his first-team debut in 2023, Rayan Vitor has made 96 appearances across all competitions for Vasco da Gama, scoring 23 goals and providing two assists.
However, the 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2025, where he bagged 20 goals and one assist in 55 games. According to the aforementioned report, the Brazilian forward has been on Real Madrid's transfer radar for a long time, as Rodrygo's future in the Spanish capital remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is also keen on signing Rayan Vitor, as they seek a young and versatile forward to replace Gabriel Jesus, while Leandro Trossard also faces an uncertain future.
