Andrea Berta is in charge of Arsenal transfer strategy.placeholder image
Andrea Berta is in charge of Arsenal transfer strategy. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as a key transfer target for Arsenal this summer.
That appears to be happening. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was first through the doors at the Emirates Stadium for a bargain £5 million and the long-awaited signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was confirmed this week. Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres seem to be the next targets.
After that could come a move for Eze, who is expected to leave Selhurst Park this summer after another superb year at Crystal Palace. Earlier this week, The Independent claimed that Berta is working on a payment structure to make that move a reality.
Arsenal working on Eberechi Eze transfer
Crystal Palace want £60 million for their star player and it’s claimed that the Gunners could offer that in three £20 million instalments. That’s promising news for Arsenal, but there’s still a long way to go in ensuring that Eze joins the north London club.
When the transfer of Zubimendi was confirmed, it was reported that Mikel Merino had played an important role in selling the Arsenal project to the Spaniard. The two players know each other well from time at Sociedad and in the Spanish international squad. Having an extra player in negotiations helped Arsenal ensure late interest from Real Madrid was no threat.
Merino even penned a letter of welcome to Zubimendi, which he opened as he completed his Arsenal medical. The Gunners midfielder wrote: “Brother, welcome to the Gunners family. I’m very excited to welcome you to your new home. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
Declan Rice can play role in brokering Eze swoop
“We’re here to help you every step of the way. It’s the ideal place for the next stage of your career and I hope we can win more titles together, like we’ve been lucky to do so far. Welcome, Mikel Merino.”
Berta should look to employ a similar tactic when courting Eze. The Express claims that the evolution of Declan Rice at Arsenal has caught the eye of Eze, whose move from Crystal Palace would carry similarities to that of Rice from West Ham.
The two players are friends thanks to their spots in the England squad and Berta should be encouraging Rice to get on the phone in a similar way to how Merino did to woo Zubimendi. That tactic has clearly already been a recipe for success this summer and there’s no harm in Berta making the power of team spirit his Arsenal transfer trademark.
In other news, 'Expected to complete' - Arsenal on course to announce new transfer within days.
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