Arsenal are preparing for a crucial 10-day period with four games that could define their Premier League title challenge as the January transfer window looms
Jake Bayliss Sport Writer - U35s and Neil Docking
08:32, 17 Dec 2025Updated 08:34, 17 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal return to Premier League action this weekend
Arsenal are gearing up for a busy period that could shape the Premier League season as they look to end their 22-year title drought.
The Gunners are set to take on Everton this weekend, kicking off a run of four matches in just 10 days. Mikel Arteta's squad currently hold a two-point lead at the top of the table and will be keen to make a strong statement following their narrow victory over Wolves in their last match.
Manchester City are hot on their heels, waiting for any slip-ups from Arsenal, while Aston Villa trail by just one point. The coming weeks could prove to be the ultimate test of Arsenal's title aspirations, especially given the impact of injuries on the team, as the January transfer window and new opportunities await. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates.
Lorenzo Torriani of AC Milan
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AC Milan's Lorenzo Torriani impressed in a friendly against Arsenal(Image: AC Milan via Getty Images)
Arsenal have their eye on a promising talent
While there may be calls for Arsenal to make significant signings in the January transfer window to strengthen their title bid, the club is reportedly interested in a long-term prospect. Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport has reported Arteta's team are keen on AC Milan's young star Lorenzo Torriani, reports the Mirror.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper, a highly-regarded academy product, has made two first-team appearances for Milan. Torriani caught Arsenal's attention with a standout performance against the Gunners in a friendly this summer, where he saved three penalties.
The promising goalkeeper has been featuring for Milan's U23 squad throughout the season, with the Italian giants weighing up how best to prepare him for a senior breakthrough. He's thought likely to stay at the San Siro come January but could potentially gain valuable experience through a loan spell in Serie B.
Milan are starting to map out their future beyond Mike Maignan as his contract nears its conclusion. Arsenal could throw a spanner in the works, however, with a potential swoop for Torriani.
Mikel Arteta's 'next level' declaration
Arsenal's Spanish coach Mikel Arteta looks on from the technical area during the UEFA Champions League, league phase - matchday 6, football match between Club Brugge and Arsenal at the Jan Breydel stadium in Bruges on December 10, 2025. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)
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Mikel Arteta looks on(Image: NICOLAS TUCAT, AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is convinced the Gunners have scaled new peaks following their summer recruitment drive.
The boss is optimistic that Arsenal's impressive squad depth might finally deliver the Premier League crown they've been chasing. "We've gone to another level this season," Arteta told TNT Sports. "Last season, at times, we had 13 or 14 outfield players competing [for places].
"It's not enough, and we've gone and increased the numbers and certainly the quality and, within that, the versatility of this team. We've added pieces we didn't have that can complement each other in a really powerful way, and they have adapted really well."
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Looking back on Arsenal's close calls during his time in charge, Arteta highlighted the standards his team achieved in the 2023/24 season, though the previous campaign saw the Gunners derailed by fitness problems at a pivotal moment. "So almost everything has to be perfect in this league to give yourself the chance to win it," Arteta went on.
"And now this season, again, we're producing very, very strong numbers in all departments, and we need to continue to go for another six months."