Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally targeting a "world-class" player, and it is believed that the Gunners are in advanced talks to sign him ahead of the summer window.
Andrea Berta set for busy summer transfer window at Arsenal
New sporting director Andrea Berta will soon commence his official role as Arsenal's head transfer chief, which has prompted much excitement ahead of what will be his first window at the club.
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The England star has been out since before Christmas.
The 53-year-old will touch down in the UK before the beginning of next week, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, and is expected to be in attendance for Tuesday's Premier League clash against Fulham.
Berta, who played a key role during his 12-year stay at Atlético Madrid - orchestrating deals for the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, Jan Oblak, Yannick Carrasco, Luis Suárez and Marcos Llorente - comes to N5 with a glowing reputation.
Arsenal's next five Premier League games Date
Fulham (home) April 1st
Everton (away) April 5th
Brentford (home) April 12th
Ipswich Town (away) April 20th
Crystal Palace (home) April 26th
Since former director Edu's departure in November last year, Arsenal had been linked with PSG's Luis Campos, among other high-profile officials, but Berta seems like a very good fit for Arsenal and Arteta.
There are already reports that Berta is set to splash the cash this summer, with GiveMeSport stating that Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven new signings under the Italian.
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He is apparently set for a busy opening window as he looks to overhaul Arteta's squad. Following Berta's appointment, the Gunners are reportedly after a new back-up goalkeeper, full-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger, striker and, potentially, an alternative to Bukayo Saka out wide (GMS).
However, one of his key goals will be to win the race for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal-Martin-Zubimendi
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has already stated this week that Arsenal are "almost definitely" going to sign Zubimendi, but contrary reports state that Real Madrid are very much still in the mix.
The 26-year-old's contract includes a £50 million release clause, which Arsenal are prepared to trigger (Fabrizio Romano). The main obstacle to this move is convincing Zubimendi to swap his boyhood club for the Premier League, which Liverpool failed to do last summer when the Spain international snubbed Arne Slot's advances.
Mikel Arteta's stance on Martin Zubimendi with Arsenal in advanced talks
Now, a report by TEAMtalk has shared Arteta's stance on Zubimendi, with Arsenal still in advanced talks to strike a pre-summer deal.
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Arteta "certainly" wants Zubimendi at Arsenal, as per this report, and as previously reported, loose terms have already been agreed with the player. However, although negotiations are at an advanced stage, they're apparently not finalised just yet.
This could hand Real Madrid some hope, but the good news for Arsenal is that Liverpool are apparently not planning to reignite their pursuit this year.
The Sociedad star has previously been called the "perfect" midfielder for Arteta, while Kieran Tierney has labelled him "world-class". Given Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to leave for nothing at the end of the season as things stand, it is imperative that Berta seals a move for Zubimendi to fill the void left in Arsenal's engine room.