Arsenal are gearing up for a potential January raid on AC Milan, with teenage sensation Davide Bartesaghi emerging as their primary defensive target, according to Caught Offside.
Gunners Face Defensive Crisis Amid Injury Woes
The North London club have been dealt a devastating blow with Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, and Ben White all sidelined for several weeks. Despite summer reinforcements including Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié’s loan arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, Mikel Arteta finds himself desperately short of defensive options as Arsenal chase silverware on multiple fronts.
While Myles Lewis-Skelly offers emergency cover at left-back, the severity of the injury crisis has prompted the club to explore the transfer market earlier than anticipated.
The Bartesaghi Factor: Why Arsenal Want Him
At just 19 years old, the towering 6ft 4in defender has caught the eye with his commanding performances at the San Siro. What makes Bartesaghi particularly attractive is his versatility – comfortable at both left-back and centre-back, he fits Arsenal’s profile perfectly as a left-footed defender who can slot into multiple positions.
His statistics this season speak volumes: three goal contributions and five clean sheets in 13 appearances, as Milan mount their own title challenge in Serie A.
Transfer Battle Looms Large
However, Arsenal face stiff competition from European heavyweights Manchester City and Real Madrid. Milan have slapped a hefty £39m price tag on their prized asset, who’s contracted until 2030, and are reluctant to weaken their squad mid-season.
Should the Bartesaghi deal prove too complex, Arsenal have identified Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown as an alternative option. Either way, the Emirates faithful can expect defensive reinforcements in the New Year as Arteta looks to maintain their challenge across all competitions.