Arsenal Go ‘Crazy’ for Milan Starlet Bartesaghi — But Is a Move Realistic?

Italian whispers say Arsenal are among the Premier League clubs absolutely mad for AC Milan’s rising left-back Davide Bartesaghi — the lad some in Italy are cheekily dubbing the “next Paolo Maldini”. Let’s calm the hyperbole, but there’s no denying the 19-year-old has burst onto the scene at the 19-time Italian champions with real authority.

Why Arsenal are watching

Bartesaghi has put together a sustained run of starts in Serie A and even helped himself to a brace in a 2-2 draw with Sassuolo earlier this month. He looks every inch the modern left-sided defender — comfortable stepping into midfield, aggressive in duels, and technically sound under pressure. For Mikel Arteta, who prizes control and versatility, that profile is catnip.

Make no mistake: prising Bartesaghi from Milan mid-season would take serious money and an even stronger sales pitch. Milan view him as a cornerstone for the future and, per Gazzetta dello Sport, they’re in no mood to entertain bargain hunters.

Milan’s stance and the contract reality

The teenager signed a fresh long-term deal in May that ties him to San Siro until 2030. Translation: Milan hold the cards. Any Premier League bidder — Arsenal included — would be staring at a premium fee and a negotiation stacked in the Rossoneri’s favour.

How he fits at the Emirates

Arsenal have been tracking Bartesaghi since the summer and are keeping close tabs on his development. A move would reunite him with a familiar Serie A pathway, potentially dovetailing with fellow Italian international Riccardo Calafiori to give Arteta serious flexibility on the left of defence. But with left-footed options already in the building, someone would almost certainly have to make way before any long-term addition arrives.

January noise vs. January reality

The league leaders after 17 games aren’t expected to go wild in January. Following a busy summer with a raft of arrivals, Arsenal’s stance is pragmatic: address only what’s essential. Yes, there have been knocks and niggles at the back, but the club’s focus appears to be stability rather than supermarket sweep.

Another name on the radar: Rodrigo Mendoza

Arsenal’s scouting network is also monitoring Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza. The 20-year-old has a reported £17m release clause and the Gunners have already sent scouts twice this season. One to park for the future rather than a here-and-now swoop, by the sounds of it.

The pundit’s verdict

Bartesaghi to Arsenal feels more like a summer saga than a winter whirlwind. If Arteta does move, it’ll be because the fit is perfect and the pathway is clear — not because of a headline-friendly comparison to a Milan icon. Still, keep this one on your watchlist; when a 19-year-old looks this composed for a European giant, smart clubs don’t blink.

If you’re tracking market movements and transfer odds this winter, you’ll want to keep an eye on the top best betting sites for the latest prices.