Managing Arsenal: £61m star signs as Andrea Berta lands ‘next Maldini’ | Football | Sport
Arsenal are confident that their current squad has the mettle to clinch the Premier League title, viewing the January transfer window as a chance to invest in future talent. Several promising youngsters have been linked with Mikel Arteta’s side, earmarked as potential long-term additions to the first team.
Following a successful summer of recruitment, Arsenal now boast a robust squad, enhancing their chances of maintaining their league-leading position. The imminent return of Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz from injury will further strengthen their campaign. Here, Express Sport steps into Arteta’s shoes and explains what he should do next.
Repeat Saliba transfer trick
Young AC Milan left-back Davide Bartesaghi has been linked with a move to the Emirates ahead of the transfer window. The 19-year-old has already made 28 appearances since his breakthrough into the first team, drawing comparisons to Milan legend Paolo Maldini.
Sky Sports claim that Arsenal have been scouting the attack-minded full-back with a view to a potential transfer. With Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly currently vying for the left-back spot, Arsenal may see Bartesaghi as an opportunity to mirror the career trajectory of William Saliba.
In 2019, Arsenal secured the signature of Saliba, a promising teenage centre-back from Saint-Etienne. After signing, he was promptly loaned back to his former French club, where he shone, before enjoying successful stints with Nice and Marseille.
Three years after joining the Gunners, Saliba finally made his debut for the North London side and has since become a key figure in Arteta’s squad. Bartesaghi could potentially follow a similar path if he opts to swap Milan for Arsenal.
Sign long-term goalkeeper
Looking ahead, one of Bartesaghi’s current colleagues might also be lured to the Emirates. Arsenal have been linked with Milan’s young talent Lorenzo Torriani, who previously impressed in a friendly against the Premier League leaders.
The 20-year-old shot-stopper has largely featured for Milan’s reserve team this season, but did make two appearances for the senior side last term. Following his standout performance against Arsenal this summer, where he saved three penalties during a shootout, Torriani has reportedly remained on the Gunners’ radar.
While Milan see Torriani as a future first-choice keeper, Arsenal could disrupt their plans. Despite David Raya firmly holding the number one spot, finding a reliable backup goalkeeper has been a challenge throughout Arteta’s reign.
The manager has brought in a new goalkeeper each season since his arrival at the club, with Kepa Arrizabalaga being the most recent addition and saving a penalty in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace. Despite his contract running until 2028, it’s unlikely that the 31-year-old will displace Raya.
A move for Torraini would signal a shift in strategy. The highly-touted youngster could be signed as a backup, with the intention of eventually succeeding Raya as Arsenal’s first-choice keeper.
New Jurrien Timber contract
Arsenal are said to be in talks to secure one of their current stars on a new contract. Jurrien Timber has been a standout player for the Gunners this season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs.
The Sun claim that the club is optimistic about reaching an agreement on a new deal with the Dutch international. His existing contract expires in 2028, but negotiations over an extension are reportedly progressing smoothly.
Timber moved to Arsenal in 2023 but was sidelined during his debut season due to injury. Since then, he has increased his market value to £61m, according to Transfermarkt, thanks to his impressive performances under Arteta.
