Journalist fears Arsenal could sign AC Milan rising star amid “strong” temptation
Arsenal’s relentless pursuit of a first Premier League title since the Invincibles era has taken them to the summit of the table heading into the festive period, with Mikel Arteta’s side maintaining a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Man City.
The Gunners have won 12 of their opening fixtures while losing just twice, establishing themselves as genuine title contenders once again after finishing second in each of the last three campaigns.
Arteta’s squad has shown remarkable resilience throughout the season despite significant injury problems, with 17 of their 25-man squad spending at least one game out through injury or illness (The Telegraph).
That being said, the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month represented a potentially damaging blow to Arsenal’s title credentials, with Emiliano Buendia’s 95th minute winner sealing all three points for Villa and allowing City to close the gap.
The loss at Villa Park also made a statement when it comes to Unai Emery’s own title credentials, with both the Villans and Pep Guardiola now in touching distance of Arsenal.
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Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Everton at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium ensured that Arsenal remain just ahead of the chasing pack for now, but they haven’t exactly blown teams away heading into a crucial festive period.
Nevertheless, the quadruple remains on for Arteta’s side, and they could cruise into the Carabao Cup semi-final draw with a win over Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Off the field, sporting director Andrea Berta maintains his recruitment drive ahead of 2026, and reports suggest they have their eyes on AC Milan sensation Davide Bartesaghi.
The Rossoneri starlet has burst on to the scene this term, essentially replacing Theo Hernandez as Milan’s starting left-wing-back.
The Italy Under-21 international has seriously impressed and most recently bagged a brace to rescue a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Sassuolo, with Bartesaghi’s form attracting real attention.
Italian media fear AC Milan could sell Davide Bartesaghi to Arsenal
Now, members of the Italian press have expressed their worry about Arsenal’s interest in the 19-year-old.
Reporter Carlo Pellegatti told his YouTube channel, via Milan News, that he holds fears over Massimiliano Allegri’s side green-lighting a London move for Bartesaghi.
This is mainly due to the ‘strong’ temptation in Milan over making serious money from the defender’s sale, with Arsenal ‘above all’ in pursuit of Bartesaghi as we head into January.
Arsenal’s interest makes tactical sense given Arteta’s preference for ball-playing defenders comfortable in possession and capable of inverting into midfield, characteristics the young Italian certainly possesses.
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The north Londoners currently have Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Ben White all capable of playing at full-back though, so yet another one shouldn’t really be top of their agenda right now.
The potential transfer fee remains unclear at this stage, but anything too lofty really shouldn’t be considered by Arsenal at this stage.
If sold, Bartesaghi’s academy graduate status would see the entire fee registered as profit on Milan’s balance sheet, making the deal particularly attractive from a Financial Fair Play perspective.
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