With Arsenal sitting proudly at the Premier League summit, manager Mikel Arteta is using the January transfer window to strategically build for the club's long-term future. The Gunners' hierarchy believe their current squad possesses the strength to clinch the title, freeing them to focus on securing emerging talents who can become first-team pillars in the years ahead.
Repeating the Saliba Blueprint with Milan's 'Next Maldini'
Central to this forward-thinking strategy is a potential move for AC Milan's highly-rated teenage defender, Davide Bartesaghi. The 19-year-old left-back has made 28 senior appearances for the Rossoneri and has already drawn comparisons to the legendary Paolo Maldini. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal have scouted the attack-minded full-back extensively.
Arteta is considering replicating the successful patient development model used for William Saliba. In 2019, Arsenal signed Saliba shortly after his Saint-Etienne debut, loaning him back for crucial experience before further spells at Nice and Marseille. It was three years after signing before he made his Gunners debut, where he is now indispensable. A similar path could be charted for Bartesaghi, providing long-term competition for the likes of Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Securing a Long-Term Goalkeeping Solution
Another AC Milan prospect on Arsenal's radar is young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. The 20-year-old shot-stopper caught the eye during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, notably saving three penalties in a shootout. While he has featured mainly for Milan's reserves this season, he made two first-team appearances last term.
This pursuit signals a shift in Arsenal's approach to the goalkeeping position. David Raya is firmly established as number one, but Arteta has signed a new back-up in each of his full seasons, with Kepa Arrizabalaga the latest. At 31, Kepa is unlikely to displace Raya. Torriani represents a different proposition: a highly-rated prospect who could arrive as understudy with the potential to become the club's long-term number one.
Rewarding Timber's Stellar Form with a New Deal
Away from incoming transfers, Arsenal are also moving to secure the future of a current star. Jurrien Timber, who joined in 2023 but missed his debut season through injury, has been a revelation this campaign. The 24-year-old Dutch international has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest right-backs.
Reports from The Sun indicate the club are confident of agreeing a new contract with Timber, despite his current deal running until 2028. His market value, according to Transfermarkt, now stands at an impressive £61 million, reflecting his immense importance to Arteta's title-chasing side. Securing his long-term commitment is viewed as a priority piece of internal business.
As the January window approaches, Arsenal's dual focus is clear: reinforce the squad's foundations for sustained success while rewarding and retaining the key players driving their present charge. With the returns of Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz from injury providing a further boost, Arteta is meticulously shaping a squad for both the immediate and distant future.
