Arsenal finally look set to finalise their summer transfer plans with Andrea Berta's appointment as sporting director officially confirmed. The Gunners appear set for a crucial trading period ahead of the 2025/26 season with an elite-level striker signing expected to be the priority.
Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked to Arsenal for some time and are therefore likely the top three options. The former is said to be Mikel Arteta's dream target but Newcastle demanding his exit costs into the triple figures could stop that deal from materialising.
Though the summer window does not open for another few months, Arsenal's first big move has been confirmed with Berta's arrival announced on Sunday. The former Atletico Madrid chief will be getting straight to work and looks to have already made his transfer thoughts clear to Arteta.
With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours with domestic football returning this week.
Berta on joining Arsenal
Reports have suggested Berta to Arsenal has been done for some time but only this past weekend was his arrival at Emirates Stadium been confirmed. Speaking to Arsenal.com following his appointment, Berta said: "I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.
"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team."
football.london says: Berta said all the right things in his first interview as an Arsenal employee and his track record suggests the club will be sanctioning some huge transfers in the coming years.
While the Gunners have been involved in plenty of strong links, plans for the summer can finally be activated with the first job for Berta seemingly to wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi to join from Real Sociedad. Agreeing favourable fees for exits will also be key for reinvestment purposes.
Given the lack of huge spending by Arsenal in the last three transfer windows, some big moves appear on the horizon and Berta using all of his contacts in the game will be key to those being agreed.
Gyokeres update and Sporting agreement
Berta's first big decision at Arsenal looks to have been made with the Athletic reporting the Gunners' interest in Gyokeres is developing with the club's new sporting director a firm admirer.
The Swede looks to have already made a big transfer decision with £62.8million (€75million) agreed as the maximum fee he will be allowed to depart for, according to Record Portugal.
football.london says: Given Berta's involvement and the apparent agreement between Sporting and Gyokeres, it looks as though the 26-year-old will be Arsenal's priority striker signing.
Isak is undeniably the dream target but Gyokeres is a far more realistic option that also boasts an excellent goal-scoring record. Considering the likely price difference, it is not a bad alternative at all with Arsenal in desperate need of a natural No.9 that can score consistently which Gyokeres has proven he can be.
His arrival for anywhere in the region of £60million also opens up the possibility of the Gunners using other funds in other areas of the pitch.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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