Arsenal’s strong push in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League has not stopped Mikel Arteta from planning ahead.
With the Gunners competing on multiple fronts, fresh reports from Italy suggest Arsenal are closely monitoring Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco as a possible summer signing.
The story has quickly gained traction among fans, especially with Arsenal still active in Europe and regularly being linked with Champions League-level players.
Why are Arsenal linked with Federico Dimarco now?
Arsenal’s interest comes at a time when the club is aiming to close the final gap between domestic success and European glory.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Arsenal are considering a move for Federico Dimarco, one of Inter Milan’s standout performers.
According to Transfermarkt data (as of early 2026), the Italian international is valued at around £43 million. His current Inter contract runs until June 2027, meaning Inter is not under immediate pressure to sell.
🚨 Arsenal have shown interest in a surprise move for Inter’s talented wingback Federico Dimarco.
The boyhood Nerazzurri fan is expected to rebuff any approach in favour of a new contract at San Siro, which should come with a hefty pay rise to reflect his progression and… pic.twitter.com/gWhh0uiYaQ
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 20, 2026
For Arsenal, the appeal is clear:
- Dimarco can play left-back or left midfield
- He offers Champions League experience
- He brings tactical flexibility, something Arteta values highly
What makes Federico Dimarco attractive to Mikel Arteta?
Dimarco’s versatility fits perfectly with Arsenal’s modern system.
Key attributes Arsenal admire:
- Tactical intelligence – comfortable in possession-based football
- Defensive discipline – important for high-press systems
- End product – regular assists and goal contributions from wide areas
Speaking previously about recruitment strategy, Arteta has said (quoted from past press conferences): “We want players who can play in different positions at the highest level and raise the standards of the squad.”
Dimarco’s profile aligns closely with that philosophy.
Would Dimarco be a regular starter at Arsenal?
This is where the deal becomes complicated.
Arsenal already has strong depth on the left side:
- Riccardo Calafiori has impressed at left-back
- Jurrien Timber offers flexibility across the back line
- Myles Lewis-Skelly is emerging as a long-term option
In midfield, competition is even tougher, making guaranteed minutes difficult. From Inter’s point of view, Dimarco remains a regular starter in Serie A and Champions League matches, something Arsenal may struggle to promise.
Why Inter Milan is unlikely to sell easily
Inter sees Dimarco as a core player, not a fringe asset.
Despite no new contract being signed yet, Italian media widely expect talks to begin soon. At 28 years old, Dimarco is considered one of Inter’s senior figures, and the club is reluctant to weaken a squad that regularly competes deep into the Champions League.
Selling to a direct European rival like Arsenal would likely require:
- A significant fee above market value
- Clear player pressure for a move
At present, neither condition appears to be in place.
Is this the right transfer priority for Arsenal?
Many Arsenal supporters believe the club’s needs lie elsewhere.
There is growing discussion around the need for:
- A creative number 10 to support or rotate with Martin Ødegaard
- A right-sided attacker to cover Bukayo Saka
Players like Arda Güler have been mentioned by pundits as better fits for Arsenal’s current squad balance, especially given the presence of Mikel Merino as midfield cover.
