Davide Bartesaghi and Arsenal: Inside the January Transfer Links

Arsenal are being linked with a move for AC Milan‘s young defender Davide Bartesaghi as the January transfer window approaches. The Gunners have faced a number of injury setbacks in defence recently, prompting renewed attention to possible reinforcements. Bartesaghi, just 19 years old, has become one of Milan’s more talked-about young talents this season for his involvement in Serie A and the interest from clubs across Europe. Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when Mikel Arteta’s squad is being tested by absences and the busy mid-season schedule. Reports suggest that the North London club’s scouting and recruitment team are closely monitoring the Italian teenager’s progress at San Siro.

Davide Bartesaghi has established himself with a regular role for AC Milan in league matches this term, helping his side maintain a strong position in Serie A. His versatility and youth make him an attractive option for clubs seeking long-term defensive stability. Arsenal’s track record of signing and developing young players adds weight to speculation that Arteta’s side could pursue a deal. Yet Milan are not under immediate financial pressure to sell, and Bartesaghi’s contract runs well into the future. This creates a complex backdrop for any potential transfer bid, whether it happens in January or later.

Why Arsenal Are Even Looking at This Deal

Arsenal’s defensive lineup has been disrupted by injury issues in recent outings. Key defenders such as Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhaes have all missed time due to various knocks, forcing Arteta to shuffle his backline in crucial cup and league ties. One consequence of these challenges has been the need to field makeshift solutions, and this exposure has only increased speculation around reinforcing the backline when the January window opens.

Despite the defensive concerns, Arsenal did secure a place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, overcoming Crystal Palace on penalties after a 1-1 draw, even while missing a significant chunk of their first-choice defenders. That match highlighted how stretched Arsenal’s squad is at the moment and underlined why reinforcements are being discussed. Arteta’s team rallied under adversity to maintain a strong Premier League position, but the need for depth in defence is growing more obvious with every passing match.

Bartesaghi’s profile has risen this season at Milan, and reports from Italy note that Arsenal have monitored his progress for some time. He can operate as a left-back or wing-back, offering flexibility that could be useful if the Gunners pursue him as a January addition. However, Arsenal signed Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen and also have Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly competing for similar roles, meaning any potential transfer would have to be carefully weighed against existing resources.

The Milan Teenager on Arsenal’s Radar

Davide Bartesaghi broke into AC Milan’s senior squad after progressing through their youth system. At 19, he has already started multiple Serie A matches this season and even scored two goals in a recent draw against Sassuolo, showing his potential contributions at both ends of the pitch. His development has attracted attention beyond Italy, with several clubs watching how he adapts to top-flight football week after week. Arsenal are among those reported to be tracking him. Bartesaghi’s contract at Milan runs until 2030, which places his suitors in a position where a deal would likely involve significant talks and potentially a substantial transfer fee.

While Arsenal expressed interest in Bartesaghi during the summer transfer window, they ultimately opted to sign other defensive assets instead. That decision was influenced by a variety of factors, including squad balance and budget constraints, especially after a record-breaking summer of spending that saw the Gunners invest heavily in multiple positions. With financial fair play considerations still in play, it remains uncertain whether Arsenal will return with a concrete offer for Bartesaghi in January without a notable outgoing move first.

Milan, for their part, are not under pressure to sell a young player they see as a long-term part of their project. The teenager’s presence in their starting lineup and his recent contract extension illustrate the club’s confidence in his future role. Despite reported overseas interest, including from Arsenal, Bartesaghi has publicly expressed that he is happy at San Siro and focused on his development with Milan. The club’s position means any transfer talk will have to be matched by a willingness to negotiate, and that could complicate a mid-season deal.

Would January Really Be the Right Time

A January move for Bartesaghi would carry both opportunity and risk. For Arsenal, adding a young defender with Serie A experience could strengthen their squad in depth and offer long-term value. His versatility means he could operate in multiple defensive roles, potentially covering for absences and providing tactical options depending on the opposition. But Arsenal already have options at left side defence, and adding another player in that area may not be their top priority if injuries begin to clear up.

On the other side, Milan may be reluctant to part with a player seen as part of their core spine. Given that Bartesaghi’s deal at Milan extends into the 2030s and he has been contributing to their title challenge, San Siro may insist on holding onto him. Clubs facing similar decisions in January often balance the benefits of selling to reinvest against the need to maintain competitive momentum in league and cup competitions. In Bartesaghi’s case, Milan seem inclined to back his development rather than entertain early sale suitors.

Financially, Arsenal would need to weigh the cost against the potential value. Securing a teenager with top-flight experience comes at a premium, and with the Gunners already having spent heavily in recent windows, any additional spending will be under scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. A loan deal with an option to buy is one format frequently used to bridge such negotiations, but with Milan resistant to letting go mid-season, that too could be a sticking point.

What People Around the Club Are Saying

Interest in Bartesaghi has created mixed reactions among the Arsenal fanbase. Some supporters see him as a promising long-term reinforcement who could grow into a key role, especially if he continues to develop physically and tactically. Others view January as the wrong moment for a surprise move, preferring that Arteta’s team focus on areas with more urgent needs, such as central midfield or forward reinforcements if injuries worsen.

Media and commentators note that Arsenal’s defensive setup has been resilient so far, but with players missing games, depth remains a talking point. A young talent like Bartesaghi can seem like a natural fit for a club that often takes a measured approach to building its squad. Yet most agree that any move would only materialise if the player’s preference and contract situation align with club strategy.

Arsenal now navigate the delicate balance of maintaining performance, protecting their financial position relative to fair play rules, and planning for both January and future windows. Supporters will be watching closely as the window approaches, eager to see whether Arteta and his backroom staff make a move for the AC Milan teenager or decide to pursue other targets in the winter market.