Arsenal could make an approach for Jan-Carlo Simic, the 18-year-old from AC Milan, as Mikel Arteta could eye players for development.
A report by Daily Mail has suggested that Arsenal are interested in 18-year-old defensive prodigy Jan-Carlo Simic. The youngster plies his trade with AC Milan’s youth squads, and Mikel Arteta could eye a developmental signing to bolster his up-and-coming youth ranks.
Every top club keeps a watchful eye on players that could come in as readymade youth products and possibly make a breakthrough into the first team in a few years. Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all done business to bolster their youth ranks, but not Arsenal to an extent.
Part of the reason is that the Gunners have produced exceptional talent from their academy, which does not require them to dash in the market. Yet, they know some talents they could sign if the opportunity arrives.
They managed to keep hold of prodigious talent Ethan Nwaneri, who signed a new contract amid strong interest from Chelsea and Manchester City. They may wait a year or so before looking to integrate him into the first-team setup. But right now, Arsenal do not have talents that could take a consistent part with Arteta’s squad.
Hence, they are looking for talents that could add to their squad depth, but the main focus will remain on Arteta developing their skills. One of them is AC Milan’s Jan-Carlo Simic. The 18-year-old defensive prodigy has excelled in the youth sides at the Serie A club. But Arsenal’s seriousness in pursuing him remains at a nascent stage.
He seems a good prospect from how highly rated he is among the Milan youth ranks. There are not many clubs vying for him, at least in public, but some might continue to keep tabs. Arsenal have an interest, as per the report, and could approach if an opportunity comes.
Only Reuell Walters from the academy has a chance of coming into the first team shortly from a defensive standpoint. The rest of the promising talents are all attackers or midfielders. Similarly, there are links to Ousmane Diamonde, but doubtful whether a move is possible.
Also Read: Arsenal 2023/24 Premier League Season Preview
Someone like Simic could come into this side and enhance Arteta’s options. He might also play an odd game in the cup or the latter stages of the Champions League group stage if Arsenal secure early passage into the knockout rounds.
