Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on AC Milan youngsters Davide Bartesaghi and Lorenzo Torriani for potential future moves as the club's new youth-focused transfer strategy continues
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is in charge of transfers at the club(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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As the January transfer window looms, Arsenal are expected to be among the more subdued Premier League clubs. Having splashed out approximately £250m in the summer to bolster their squad depth with quality, it's evident that there's limited room for additional moves.
This could potentially result in more departures than arrivals at the club, but that doesn't imply that the Gunners are inactive in the market. On the contrary, they're making swift moves - Andrea Berta's new strategy seems to focus on recruiting young talent for the future.
In line with this, the latest transfer scheme being devised by the director reportedly involves a bid for two AC Milan prodigies. As per Calciomercato, Arsenal are monitoring a potential double swoop for Davide Bartesaghi and Lorenzo Torriani, with plans to make a move in due course.
The duo are promising youngsters tipped for great things, which aligns with the Gunners' new transfer blueprint. Bartesaghi, a 19 year old left-back, has already made his mark in the AC Milan first team in Serie A this season.
The defender has clocked up 11 top-tier appearances, netting twice for the team in his handful of outings so far this campaign. Bartesaghi can also slot in as a centre-back, a versatility that Mikel Arteta appreciates in defenders. However, his contract extension earlier this year means he's currently committed until 2030.
Meanwhile, Torriani is a 20 year old goalkeeper who has already made two appearances for AC Milan, one in the Champions League and the other in the Italian Cup. Goalkeepers often mature later, but with the game time he's already had, there's plenty of potential.
With Arsenal splashing out in the summer on players who can contribute immediately, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, both in their prime years, it's evident that the new strategy is to bring in those who can make an impact in the future. This approach has already been demonstrated with several completed deals.
Viktor Gyokeres and Andrea Berta
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres last summer(Image: 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
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In recent weeks, Arsenal announced they have agreed to sign Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle, a move aimed at the future. The pair won't be able to join until 2027, when they turn 18, but they are predicted to achieve great things.
And it's not just this duo; the club has also announced a pre-agreement to snap up Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers as another young signing. He will also join in 2027 when he turns 18, showing that the north London side are eager to recruit younger talent for the future.
This strategy should, theoretically, help Arsenal become more sustainable in the transfer market regarding their overall spending. While owners KSE have invested heavily, there may well come a time when the club is expected to balance its own transfer expenditure.
The club has faced criticism for its sales in recent seasons, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's move to Liverpool still holding the record. When compared to their fiercest competitors, it's evident that there's a lot more work to be done, particularly if they want to match the necessary spending.
Securing these young talents early on can lead to future bargains, while also providing an opportunity to make a profit in the transfer market down the line.
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