Arsenal are preparing for a quiet January transfer window but are laying significant groundwork for the future, with a reported fresh plan to target two of AC Milan's most promising youngsters.
Berta's Blueprint: Investing in Tomorrow's Stars
With the winter window approaching, the Gunners are expected to be relatively subdued in the market following a summer spend of approximately £250 million on established talent like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. However, sporting director Andrea Berta is actively implementing a strategic shift towards securing elite young prospects.
According to reports from Italy, this new strategy has seen Arsenal set their sights on a double swoop for AC Milan's Davide Bartesaghi and Lorenzo Torriani. The club is monitoring the duo closely with a view to making a move at the appropriate time.
Profiling the Milan Prodigies
The two players perfectly fit the profile of Arsenal's emerging recruitment model. Davide Bartesaghi, a 19-year-old left-back, has already broken into Milan's first team this season, making 11 Serie A appearances and scoring twice. His versatility, with an ability to also play as a centre-back, is a trait highly valued by manager Mikel Arteta. The defender recently extended his contract with the Italian giants until 2030.
His teammate, Lorenzo Torriani, is a 20-year-old goalkeeper who has already gained valuable experience with two senior appearances—one in the Champions League and another in the Coppa Italia. While goalkeepers typically mature later, his early exposure to top-level football marks him out as a player with significant potential.
A Sustainable Future for the Gunners
This focus on youth is not an isolated case. In recent weeks, Arsenal have confirmed pre-agreements to sign Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero from Independiente Del Valle and prospect Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers. Both deals will see the players join in 2027 when they turn 18.
This long-term strategy is designed to create a more sustainable model for the club in the transfer market. By securing high-potential talents early, Arsenal aim to secure future bargains and develop players who could either strengthen the first team or be sold for a substantial profit later. It addresses past criticism of the club's player sales record and aims to build a pipeline of talent that can support their ambitions while balancing the books.
The pursuit of Bartesaghi and Torriani is a clear signal that while major first-team signings may be on hold, Arsenal's planning for future success is moving at full speed.
