Arsenal have been handed a clear indication of the financial commitment required to prise young defender Victor Valdepenas away from Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants setting a hefty new release clause in his contract.
Valdepenas's Meteoric Rise at the Bernabeu
The 19-year-old, affectionately known as Valde, has enjoyed a rapid ascent through the ranks at Real Madrid. Having returned to the club in 2022, he is now regarded as one of the academy's most promising talents. His versatility has been a key asset for Real Madrid Castilla this season, where he has been a near ever-present, playing 888 minutes under coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Valdepenas is comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, and has even filled in as a makeshift midfielder.
His impressive form was rewarded last weekend by head coach Xabi Alonso, who handed the teenager his senior debut in a La Liga match against Alaves. Despite an error that led to an Alaves equaliser in Madrid's 2-1 victory, Valdepenas earned glowing praise for his overall performance and retained his place in the squad for the subsequent Copa del Rey fixture.
European Interest Triggers Contract Response
However, Valdepenas's breakthrough has not gone unnoticed. Arsenal, along with German clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, are said to be 'closely monitoring' the Spain Under-19 international. In response to this mounting overseas interest, Real Madrid's hierarchy have moved swiftly to secure the player's future.
According to reports from Spanish newspaper AS, the club have rewarded Valdepenas with a significant pay rise as recognition of his performances. Crucially, this new agreement also includes an increased release clause, now set at over €50 million (approximately £44 million). This development is seen as a firm statement of Madrid's commitment to the player, though the length of his contract, which runs until June 2029, remains unchanged.
Alonso's Praise and Future Prospects
The contract update caps what has been described as a 'magical week' for the former Rayo Vallecano and Leganes youth player. Manager Xabi Alonso was quick to commend Valdepenas after his debut, stating, 'He competed well and was very steady in his performance.'
Valdepenas himself admitted to nerves during the match, thanking his teammates for their support. 'I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,' he said. 'But my team-mates reassured me on the pitch.'
For Arsenal and other suitors, the message is now clear: any move for one of European football's most exciting defensive prospects will require a substantial financial outlay, with Real Madrid firmly in control of the teenager's immediate future.
