Arsenal in superior talks for game-changing signing in main Mikel Arteta switch increase
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a key appointment to their recruitment staff, with the Gunners looking to bring in one of Serie A’s most prominent scouts
Arsenal are said to be in discussions to bring one of Serie A’s leading recruitment experts to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners were active in the summer market, welcoming eight fresh faces through the doors at the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta secured the signatures of Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapie, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga for a combined more than £250million as the club looked to mount a serious Premier League title challenge. Sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw the recruitment drive following his switch from Atletico Madrid in March.
With the January window approaching, Arsenal are reportedly set to strengthen their scouting operation with a significant addition. BBC Sport reports that Arsenal are pursuing Maurizio Micheli to bolster their recruitment department.
Micheli currently serves as Napoli’s head of scouting and is understood to be in “advanced talks” about departing the Italian champions for north London. The 57-year-old has worked across two stints with Napoli, first joining in 2010 before departing five years later, then returning in 2018.
Micheli, a highly respected scout in Italy, is known for spotting talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kim Min-jae and Marek Hamsik during his time at Napoli. It is unclear what exact role Micheli would play at Arsenal if he were to join the club, but it’s rumoured that the Gunners are close to securing the transfer guru’s services.
With their sights set on the Premier League title this season, Arsenal may already be planning for the January transfer window. Currently leading the Premier League by four points, the Gunners are preparing for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, amidst the ongoing November international break.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw at Sunderland at the weekend, Arteta said: “I want to win, and the game was almost there. But you know this is the Premier League, and the manner that they play, they’re going to harm you in their way.
“It’s just one goal difference there. I’m frustrated because it’s an action that we can defend better, but as well you have to give credit to the opposition to do what they’ve done, to put the ball there, to head the ball the way they’ve done it and then the striker to do that action and to put the ball in the net, and sometimes you have to do that and recognise that as well.
“Of course it hurts, especially when it costs you points. And we know that we have to do better, and even though we’re conceding goals, there are things that we have to improve on the ball. I always mention that, and that’s it. Learn from the past and get back.”
