AC Milan
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Arsenal’s red-hot start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign has reignited belief that the long wait for a league title could finally be nearing its end. Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit top of the table after nine matches, collecting 22 points from seven wins, one draw, and just one defeat along with an impressive +13 goal difference.
Their latest outing, a narrow but hard-earned 1–0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, extended their unbeaten run to ten matches. Confidence is high across North London, and even data models are beginning to believe with recent supercomputer projections tipping Arsenal as favourites to win the title ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The foundation for this strong start was laid during a well-planned summer transfer window that combined quality, balance, and forward-thinking. Under new sporting director Andrea Berta, the club spent over £200 million to bolster key areas, bringing in players who could make an instant impact while ensuring squad depth for the long haul.
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Leading the list of arrivals was Eberechi Eze, signed from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million. The England international has quickly become a creative spark in Arsenal’s midfield, providing flair and vision. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres joined from Sporting CP for £65 million, immediately proving his worth with clinical finishing and a strong physical presence up front.
Eberechi Eze
Arsenal signe Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace last summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Gunners also reinforced their backline with Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia and added width with Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Christian Norgaard, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga completed a £5 million permanent switch from Chelsea to offer competition for David Raya, while Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie rounded off what has been described as Arsenal’s smartest window in years.
Arteta’s tactical precision has allowed the new signings to integrate seamlessly. Eze has delivered two goals and an assist so far, often unlocking tight defences with his dribbling and creativity. Gyokeres has already scored five times, including a standout brace in Arsenal’s 4–0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Mosquera’s calm presence at the back has been very useful with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes managing their game time amid injury concerns and has helped the Gunners record the league’s best defensive record, conceding just three goals. Despite his injury setback, Madueke has impressed with his pace and direct play down the wings.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
The results have been a team full of confidence, control, and cohesion, turning the Emirates into one of the most intimidating venues in Europe.
However, not everything has gone smoothly. Injuries to several key players including Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, William Saliba, and Ben White have tested the squad’s resilience. With fixtures across multiple competitions piling up, Arteta and Berta are already exploring options to strengthen in January.
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One emerging name on their radar is Davide Bartesaghi, AC Milan’s 19-year-old defensive sensation known as the “Boy Mountain.” Standing at 6ft 5in, the Italian youth international has caught attention for his commanding presence, composure, and ability to play both as a left-back and a centre-back.
According toMilanLive, both Arsenal and Barcelona have intensified their pursuit of Bartesaghi, sending scouts to watch him during Milan’s goalless draw with Juventus earlier this month.
Davide Bartesaghi
Arsenal defender Davide Bartesaghi (Image credit: Getty Images)
Bartesaghi’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After stepping up to the first team following Theo Hernandez’s injury, the teenager has already made 21 senior appearances since debuting at 17. His marauding runs, precise crosses, and calmness under pressure have drawn comparisons to AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
Arsenal see Bartesaghi as a long-term investment to their defensive options, while Barcelona view him as a cornerstone for Hansi Flick’s rebuild at Camp Nou. Milan, however, are expected to demand at least €50 million for their academy gem, setting the stage for an intense transfer tug-of-war between two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
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