Arsenal add two teenage defenders to transfer shortlist but face competition

Arsenal are monitoring the progress and availability of two teenage defenders, with both Rosario Central’s Juan Gimenez and Real Madrid Castilla’s Victor Valdepenas on their shortlist.

The Gunners are expected to have a significant summer in the transfer market after falling short of winning silverware again this season.

There is a clear need for a new striker who would be ready to go straight into the first team, while there will likely be further signings for the starting XI.

However, Arsenal are still planning for the future, with Gimenez and Valdepenas pegged as prospects for years to come.

Sky Germany report that both players are being monitored by Arsenal, although there is interest elsewhere, especially in Gimenez.

With the Argentina Under-20 international still playing in his home country, other European clubs see an opportunity for a good deal, especially as his current contract only runs until the end of 2025.

Borussia Dortmund have been named chief among his admirers, with Arsenal and other big clubs interested.

Valdepenas, while still playing for Real Madrid Castilla, clearly has a route to playing for Real Madrid, having signed for the club from Leganes in 2022.

Who is Victor Valdepenas?

The 18-year-old is primarily a centre-back but his versatility is seen as a great strength as he can be deployed at left-back, wing-back or even in midfield.

He is yet to make his Real Madrid debut, but has been playing for their C and reserve teams, while also being capped at Under-19 level by Spain.

The Madrid native actually left Real for Leganes in 2020 but returned to the Spanish giants two years later.

Relevo report that his physicality stands out for his age and compared him to former Real Madrid man, now a PSG star, Achraf Hakimi.

Who is Juan Gimenez?

The 19-year-old is chiefly a centre-back but can also operate at the base of midfield.

Right-footed, the teenager already has plenty of first team experience for Rosario Central in Argentina’s top flight and has played regularly for his country’s Under-20 side.

Gimenez has also been linked with Manchester United in the past and there will be no shortage of options for him this summer if Rosario choose to cash in on him before the end of his contract.

Arsenal have two more games to play this season before attention fully turns to the transfer market and they will be hoping to end the Premier League campaign strongly to secure second place.

Mikel Arteta’s side host Newcastle on Sunday, with the Magpies two points and one place below them in third.

Avoid defeat in that match and second place will remain in their own hands as they go into the last fixture of the season at Southampton a week later.