Arsenal still monitoring highly rated Real Madrid talent

Arsenal are still monitoring Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to multiple reports.

Despite having a list of targets, the Gunners aren't actively looking to sign anyone in the January transfer window and are instead keeping an eye on possible targets they could pursue in the summer.

Valdepeñas has emerged as one of the players that Mikel Arteta's side could invest in over the coming months, but it would take a lot to pry him away from the Bernabéu.

Arsenal still monitoring Víctor Valdepeñas

With their squad in a strong position as they go into the second-half of the season, Arsenal don't really feel the need to sign anyone in January, but while they have shown interest in improving their academy, their priority has been to explore potential summer moves.

Jérémy Jacquet was the subject to long term interest from the Gunners, but their lack of action to prevent his impending move to Chelsea shows that they're not desperate to secure his signature and that is where Valdepeñas comes in.

A young defender, the Spain Under-19 international has attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe following his impressive performances within the Real Madrid youth setup.

He has made 31 appearances for the La Liga side's B team and made his first team debut when he started in a league win over Deportivo Alavés in December.

While Arsenal are keen on signing Valdepeñas and adding him to their ever-improving defence, they will have a tough task in tempting him to leave Madrid for north London. Given his impressive displays and the high interest in his services, he is well thought of in the Spanish capital, meaning Madrid are unlikely to let him leave.

However, if the Gunners can manage to seal a move, he would be a great addition to their defence and he could even continue his development in the academy sides, just as he is doing at Real Madrid, before making the step up to the first team.