Andrea Berta wants midfield reinforcements at Arsenal.Andrea Berta wants midfield reinforcements at Arsenal.
Andrea Berta wants midfield reinforcements at Arsenal. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Andrea Berta is expected to arrive at Arsenal as a man on a mission in the transfer window this summer.
Arsenal have been told to expect ‘many surprises’ under the leadership of new technical director Andrea Berta, who arrives in London after 12 impressive years with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
The 53-year-old has beaten rumoured candidates including former Newcastle United and Manchester United man Dan Ashworth and ex Premier League star Yossi Benayoun to the position. With the Gunners having fallen well short of a Premier League title race this season, it’s set to be a make-or-break summer straight away for Berta.
Spanish outlet AS claim that the newcomer is ready for that. The publication quotes its own sources as indications that Arsenal will move for £51 million Martin Zubimendi and Newcastle United playmaker Bruno Guimaraes as priorities.
Andrea Berta makes two midfield transfer priority
Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both set to exit the Emirates Stadium as free agents come the close of the current campaign. There have been no signs of productive contract talks to extend those deals and it’s thought that the club is happy to let the players leave as free agents to free up space for incomings.
AS claims that the arrival of Zubimendi in North London is more of a matter of time than any doubt at this point. The midfielder and his team are in contact with Arsenal with personal terms not thought to pose an issue. It is added that the Gunners hope that Real Sociedad may be willing to accept an offer lower than the £51 million release clause built into Zubimendi’s contract.
The report adds that Berta is a ‘lover’ of Guimaraes and that admiration has been longstanding. It is claimed that the technical director tried to sign the player on three occasions and that a swoop for the Brazil international could be his first move as a statement of intent at Arsenal.
Berta a ‘lover’ of Newcastle United playmaker
Guimaraes is known to be happy at St James’ Park but may be tempted by a switch if it comes with the possibility of fighting for titles. AS claims that Newcastle United could let the player leave for £60 million, but only if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season. It’s added that Guimaraes doesn’t want to quit the North East until he has won a trophy with the club - which could come this Sunday when the Magpies take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
The midfielder was centre of transfer rumours last season as it appeared he may have waved farewell to Newcastle United fans in the last match of the campaign against Brentford. At the time, Magpies manager Eddie Howe said: “I don’t think it’s a wave goodbye. I think Bruno’s probably done that many times. It can be interpreted as anything – it can be interpreted in a certain way if the people watching interpret that to be the case.
“Certainly, from my side, I hope it’s not. He is integral to what we are doing. He is an inspirational player and we’re desperate to keep him.”
In other news, Arsenal won’t be happy with the PGMOL announcement for the Chelsea clash.