Arsenal scouts went to the Bernabeu to watch Mykhaylo Mudryk in action against Real Madrid in the Champions League last week but left raving about Federico Valverde instead.
The energetic Uruguayan midfielder shone in the home side’s 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and has been electric over the last year for Real Madrid. He set up the winner for Vinicius Jr in the Champions League final this year, too.
The result left the reigning champions top of their group with nine points from their opening three games.
According to Defensa Central, Arsenal remain keen to complete a deal for Mudryk but Valverde’s dominant performance stood out most.
The 24-year-old, operating alongside Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni in central midfield, showed exceptional work rate and quality throughout.
Since making his Real Madrid debut against Viktoria Plzen in October 2018, he has racked up 160 appearances for the club over the past four years.
An intelligent and versatile player, capable of playing anywhere across the middle, Valverde continues to blossom.
Although Arsenal succeeded in signing Martin Odegaard from Real on a permanent deal last summer, there is little hope of his former teammate completing a similar move to the Emirates.
Valued at around £70million and growing in importance at club and international level, Valverde has no reason to leave the Bernabeu. His contract was extended just over a year ago and ties him to Real until July 2027, with little incentive for them to sell one of their prize assets.
He has become a vital part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, helping them reclaim the title from fierce rivals Atletico Madrid last season.
Valverde also starred in Real’s historic Champions League success, making 11 appearances in the competition and setting up the final’s only goal against Liverpool.
In the second half, he received the ball out wide on the right, drove towards the edge of the box and slid in a perfect cross to the back post for Vinicius Junior to convert from close range.
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