Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League and have been tipped to plan for the future during the January transfer window
Mikel Arteta celebrating
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been linked with several deals ahead of the January transfer window
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Arsenal believe their squad is already strong enough to win the Premier League title, so the January transfer window presents an opportunity to build for the future. Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with several young prospects who could become first-team stars in the long term.
The Gunners have assembled a formidable team following a productive summer recruitment drive that has improved their squad depth. The club’s chances of staying top of the league are set to be bolstered by the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz returning from injury.
It puts Arteta in the enviable position of having at least two quality options in every position. However, that does not mean the Gunners will sit back and admire their team. Here is a look at three moves Arsenal can make to plan for the future.
Repeat William Saliba transfer trick
Arsenal have been linked with young AC Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi ahead of the transfer window. The 19-year-old has made 28 appearances since his first team breakthrough and already earned comparisons to club legend Paolo Maldini.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have scouted the attack-minded full-back ahead of a potential move. With Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly currently battling for their left-back berth, the Gunners could opt for Bartesaghi to replicate William Saliba’s career path.
In 2019, Arsenal signed Saliba less than a year after the teenage centre-back had made his Saint-Etienne debut. He was then loaned back to the French club that summer, where he played a starring role, before going on to have subsequent spells with Nice and Marseille.
It was three years after joining the Gunners that Saliba finally made his first appearance for the club and he has since been integral to Arteta’s side. Bartesaghi could feasibly find himself on the same trajectory if he chooses to leave Milan for Arsenal.
Davide Bartesaghi of AC Milan
Davide Bartesaghi recently scored a brace for AC Milan against Sassuolo
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Long-term David Raya replacement
One of Bartesaghi’s current team-mates could also follow him to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have been touted with an interest in Milan starlet Lorenzo Torriani, who previously shone in a friendly against the Premier League leaders.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper has spent most of this season with Milan’s reserve side but made two appearances for the Rossoneri last term. It has previously been reported that Torriani has remained on Arsenal’s radar following his impressive display against the Gunners this summer, where he saved three penalties during a shootout.
While Milan are claimed to view Torriani as a future number one, the Gunners could scupper their plans. Although David Raya has firmly established himself as first choice, finding the right back-up goalkeeper has proven a problem throughout Arteta’s tenure.
The manager has signed a new shot-stopper in each of his full seasons at the club, with Kepa Arrizabalaga being the latest to fulfil the role. While his contract is set to run until 2028, there is little chance of the 31-year-old eventually usurping Raya.
Lorenzo Torriani of AC Milan
Lorenzo Torriani impressed against Arsenal in pre-season
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A deal for Torraini would represent a different approach. The highly-rated prospect could arrive as second-choice, with a view to being Arsenal’s long-term replacement for Raya.
New Jurrien Timber contract
Away from the transfer window, Arsenal are reportedly working to tie down one of their current stars to a new deal. Jurrien Timber has been a standout performer for the Gunners so far this season, with the 24-year-old proving to be one of the best right-backs in the league.
The Sun reports that the club are confident of agreeing a new contract with the Netherlands international. His current deal runs until 2028 but discussions over an extension are claimed to be progressing well.
Timber joined Arsenal in 2023 but missed his debut season due to injury. He has since raised his value to £61m, as per Transfermarkt, after shining in Arteta’s team.
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