Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of a marquee Premier League star, with the Andrea Berta target setting his sights on north London, according to a fresh report this afternoon.
The Gunners return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon knowing that absolutely nothing less than three points will suffice against visiting Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal applauds the fans
Mikel Arteta's side head into the weekend fixture sitting comfortably atop the table with a six-point cushion over their nearest challengers.
Arsenal have discovered their winning formula once again after navigating through a brief wobble, losing just once across their previous 15 matches in all competitions.
Tuesday evening brought further encouragement when Kai Havertz netted a crucial late strike against Chelsea to secure Arsenal's place in the Carabao Cup final.
That victory maintained momentum heading into what represents a potential banana-skin encounter against the Black Cats.
In the picture, from left: Emre Can (BVB, #23), Aaron Anselmino (BVB, #28), Daniel Svensson (BVB, #24), Nico Schlotterbeck (BVB, #04), Gregor Kobel (BVB, #01) Related
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The Gunners have conducted a scouting mission.
Sunderland have emerged as one of this season's most captivating narratives, currently occupying eighth after a fairytale first campaign back in the top flight for years.
Regis Le Bris has masterminded an impressive return following promotion from the Championship, and they'll be no easy customers for Arteta's men.
However, recent form suggests the honeymoon period might be ending for the northeast outfit.
Sunderland have managed just two victories across their last nine Premier League outings, whilst their away record remains particularly concerning heading to north London.
But whilst Arsenal prepare for Saturday's encounter, significant developments are unfolding behind the scenes regarding their summer transfer strategy.
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali eyeing summer move to Arsenal
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali was apparently the subject of initial January discussions which went nowhere, mainly due to the complications surrounding the capture of a £130 million star mid-season.
Tonali-Arsenal
However, as per Football Transfers, Arsenal are planning a major move for Tonali when the transfer window reopens in June.
The north Londoners explored a potential deadline day swoop for the Italian international, but Newcastle flatly refused to entertain any winter departure.
The most significant aspect of this developing story centres around Tonali's own desires.
Football Transfers that the 25-year-old personally instructed his agent Giuseppe Riso to make contact with Arsenal following news of Mikel Merino's serious foot injury.
Arsenal also represents Tonali's preferred destination despite Chelsea and Man City also registering interest in the Italy star.
The midfielder clearly favours a switch to the Emirates Stadium above any alternative options, positioning Berta and co as potential favourites.
Sandro-Tonali-Newcastle
Arsenal bolstered their midfield ranks last summer by securing Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze last summer.
However, the club hierarchy remain determined to further strengthen Arteta's options and have identified Tonali as their top target.
The former AC Milan star has marked himself out as a linchpin in the Magpies' midfield under Eddie Howe, making 36 appearances in all competitions already this season.
He is one of Howe's most important stars, so prising Tonali away from St. James' will almost certainly require a massive summer spend.
Arsenal - Emirates Stadium Related
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