Arsenal are embarking on a significant shift in their transfer philosophy, aiming to secure the world's best teenage talent before their value skyrockets. This new direction comes as manager Mikel Arteta reflects on the patient pursuit of current number one, David Raya.
Arteta's Admission on David Raya Signing
Mikel Arteta has openly discussed the lengthy process behind bringing goalkeeper David Raya to the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard confirmed that Arsenal attempted to sign Raya "much earlier," almost as soon as Arteta arrived at the club, but were forced to wait a further two years.
Raya eventually joined initially on loan from Brentford before making a £30 million permanent move in 2024. He swiftly replaced Aaron Ramsdale as first choice and enjoyed a stellar debut campaign, winning the Premier League Golden Glove with 16 league clean sheets across 41 appearances in all competitions.
"An amazing goalkeeper," Arteta stated. "It's a great story as well and how it happened... The start that he had and the journey that we had together has been phenomenal for us and I'm very happy to have him." When asked if Raya was his best signing, Arteta added the keeper was "certainly one that is taking us to a different level."
Berta's Masterstroke: Arsenal's Youth-First Overhaul
In a major strategic pivot, Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta is now focusing the club's recruitment on players aged between 16 and 18. The move, detailed in a report by The Telegraph, is designed to elevate the quality of the club's academy and bypass the so-called 'middle man' clubs in the transfer market.
This approach aims to avoid the inflated fees demanded by clubs like Brighton and Brentford, who have profited hugely by developing talents such as Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro before selling them for massive sums to Premier League rivals.
This new blueprint is already in motion. Arsenal have secured deals for Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero, who are set to arrive in London in 2027. They are also poised to sign Shamrock Rovers' 16-year-old Victor Ozhianvuna when he turns 18 in January 2027. The signing of Tommy Setford from Ajax last year is viewed as the starting point of this refreshed strategy.
Arsenal 'Plot' Move for Bundesliga Star Bahoya
Alongside this long-term youth vision, Arsenal remain active in the market for more established emerging talents. According to Sky Germany, the Gunners are "seriously considering" a move for Eintracht Frankfurt's attacking midfielder Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
The 20-year-old French youth international has started half of Frankfurt's games this season and is attracting attention from several Premier League sides. Frankfurt reportedly value the player at around £61.5 million. Bahoya turned down a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad last summer, stating his desire to compete in the Champions League with Frankfurt.
This news unfolds as Arsenal enjoy a strong season, buoyed by the return of captain Martin Odegaard from injury and memorable wins over Tottenham and Bayern Munich. With the fixture list congested in December, Arteta's squad depth and future planning are under the spotlight more than ever.
