Arsenal could be poised to face a transfer target in the Champions League who is being tipped to become one of the best in the world in his position. The Gunners bypassed the play-off round by topping the league phase standings and have since learned their potential last-16 opponents.

Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund were lined up as options for Arsenal and second-placed Bayern Munich. Both German clubs held the upper hand from the first leg, and whilst Leverkusen went on to defeat Olympiacos, Atalanta produced a breathtaking comeback against Dortmund to clinch victory with the final kick of the match.

According to Caught Offside, several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, are keeping a close eye on him, with reports suggesting club officials have watched him in action this season.

The 18-year-old defender only joined Atalanta last summer in a deal worth €20million (£17.5m) from Genoa and is held in extremely high regard in Italy. This was underlined by recent remarks from former Inter and AC Milan striker Aldo Serena, who was unequivocal in his admiration for the youngster.

Serena posted on X: “I don’t usually bet, but I could make an exception for Ahanor. I feel confident saying that by the age of 20, he will be one of the best in the world in his position.”

Ahanor hasn’t yet established himself as a consistent starter in Atalanta’s defence, though he has featured in several senior outings, including a 17-minute substitute appearance in the fightback against Dortmund.

To capture the attention of those admirers, the teenager will almost certainly wish to perform against the elite opposition. It might also provide Mikel Arteta with an opportunity for a closer assessment of the centre-back who could go on to become a successor for Gabriel Magalhaes.

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Provided Arsenal progress past either Atalanta or Leverkusen, a quarter-final meeting with Manchester City could materialise if Pep Guardiola‘s outfit overcome Bodo/Glimt or Real Madrid.

The two clubs are already embroiled in a fierce Premier League title battle that the Gunners presently command, and they will compete in a Carabao Cup final in late March.

Fewer than four weeks after that Wembley spectacle, City and Arsenal meet at Etihad Stadium in a fixture that might ultimately determine the Premier League title race.

Prior to that, Arsenal face Chelsea, Brighton and Everton in the Premier League, alongside an FA Cup fifth round fixture away to Mansfield Town on the horizon.