Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi, as per Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
After beginning his youth career at Atalanta, the Italian joined the Rossoneri academy in 2012. Rising through the youth ranks, he made his debut for his boyhood club a couple of years ago and has since established himself as a key player under Massimiliano Allegri this season.
The 19-year-old has been playing regularly ahead of the new summer signing from Brighton and Hove Albion, Pervis Estupinan, this term, making three goal contributions in 13 appearances across all competitions. Moreover, he has helped his side keep five clean sheets.
The youngster even scored a brace against Sassuolo last weekend. He has been helping his side mount a title charge this term, sitting only one point behind table topper and city rival, Inter Milan.
Now, La Gazzetta dello Sport report that, having been impressed by Bartesaghi’s recent impressive performances, Arsenal have registered their interest in signing him. So, they could make a concrete approach to secure his service in January or next summer.
The Gunners hold a long-term interest in the Italian as they even wanted to buy him last summer before opting to sign Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen.
As Bartesaghi’s existing deal is set to run until 2030 and he has established himself as a key player for Milan, it would be difficult for Arsenal to lure him away from San Siro.
Bartesaghi to Arsenal
The Milan star, standing at 6ft 4in tall, is a left-footed left-back by trait but is also comfortable in the centre-back position. Moreover, he has been playing as a LWB under Allegri this season. He is quick, comfortable playing out from the back, good in the air, and efficient in defensive contributions.
Bartesaghi is a talented player and possesses high potential, so he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him next year.
However, having already got Riccardo Calafiori, Hincapié, and Myles Lewis-Skelly as options to deploy in the LB role, Arsenal don’t need to add further depth to this area.
Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.