Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta gives 'another level' verdict as club target hot prospect

Arsenal have been linked with deals as the January transfer window approaches

Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial period that could shape the Premier League title race. The Gunners are set to take on Everton this weekend, kicking off a gruelling run of four matches in just 10 days.

Mikel Arteta's squad have a slender two-point lead at the top of the league and will be keen to make a strong statement following their narrow victory over Wolves. Manchester City are hot on their heels, ready to capitalise on any Arsenal slip-up, with Aston Villa trailing by three points.

The coming weeks could prove to be the ultimate litmus test for Arsenal's title aspirations, especially given the injury setbacks the Gunners have already faced. football.london takes a look at some of the latest noise surrounding the club.

Mikel Arteta gives 'another level' verdict

Mikel Arteta is convinced the Gunners have raised their standards following their summer recruitment drive. The Arsenal boss is optimistic that their impressive squad depth might finally deliver the Premier League crown.

"We've gone to another level this season," Arteta told TNT Sports. "Last season, at times, we had 13 or 14 outfield players competing [for places].

"It's not enough, and we've gone and increased the numbers and certainly the quality and, within that, the versatility of this team. We've added pieces we didn't have that can complement each other in a really powerful way, and they have adapted really well."

Looking back on Arsenal's close calls during his reign, Arteta lauded the standards his team achieved in the 2023/24 season, while acknowledging that injury problems at key moments hindered their progress last term.

He added: "So almost everything has to be perfect in this league to give yourself the chance to win it. And now this season, again, we're producing very, very strong numbers in all departments, and we need to continue to go for another six months."

Arsenal target prospect

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on promising AC Milan talent Lorenzo Torriani. While not a player who could immediately bolster the club's title bid, Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Gunners are interested in the young prospect.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper, a highly-regarded product of Milan's academy, has made two first-team appearances for the Italian giants. Torriani caught Arsenal's attention with a standout performance against Arteta's side in a friendly this summer, where he saved three penalties.

The promising goalkeeper has spent this season with Milan's U23 squad, with the Italian giants weighing up how best to develop him for a potential first-team breakthrough. He is expected to stay at the San Siro in January but could potentially gain valuable experience through a Serie B loan spell.

Milan are starting to map out their future beyond Mike Maignan as his contract winds down. However, Arsenal could throw a spanner in the works with a potential swoop for Torriani.