Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window amid reports that Andrea Berta could officially begin work this week as the club’s new sporting director, following Edu Gaspar’s departure in November 2024.
The Gunners were widely expected to strengthen their attack in January, but their failure to secure reinforcements has dealt a significant blow to their Premier League title challenge. Mikel Arteta’s side now sits 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, having won just one of their last four league matches.
A series of injuries to key attacking players—Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli—has further hampered Arsenal’s campaign at a crucial stage. The club attempted to sign a new striker in January but failed to complete a deal.
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Now, with former Atletico Madrid sporting director Berta set to take charge, Arsenal’s transfer plans appear to be accelerating. According toDaily Trust, the North London club has already initiated the signing process for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with a £62 million deal reportedly agreed.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen (Image credit: Getty Images)
The report states: “Arsenal have informed Napoli that they are willing to pay Osimhen’s £70 million release clause. Word is that Benjamin Sesko is also back in play after deciding to stay in Germany last summer.
“Arteta’s plan is to integrate Osimhen into the attack, allowing Kai Havertz to return to his natural attacking midfield role rather than being deployed as the main striker, where he has struggled at times.”
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While Osimhen remains a strong option, Arsenal are still pursuing their top striker target—Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward, valued at £150 million, remains Arteta’s priority, according toThe Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Speaking to NBC Sports Soccer, Ornstein provided insight into Arsenal’s transfer strategy: “Arsenal are going to have a big window in the summer. They’re looking to sign a striker, and they would really like to do a deal for Alexander Isak. Whether that’s going to be possible, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Arsenal - Alexander Isak - Newcastle
Alexander Isak (Image credit: Getty Images)
Beyond a new striker, Arsenal are also expected to reinforce other key areas of the squad. Ornstein confirmed that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is the club’s primary midfield target, while a left-back and at least one new goalkeeper are also on the agenda.
“In midfield, they’re hoping to complete a deal for Martin Zubimendi, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey quite possibly leaving,” Ornstein added.
“There’s work to do at left-back because Kieran Tierney is expected to depart, and Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be on the move. They’ll need a second-choice goalkeeper and potentially even a third-choice goalkeeper.”
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