Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is expected by some sources to sign an "exciting" 23-year-old this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting that his first transfer window at the club is set to be a "big" one.
Excitement surrounds Andrea Berta appointment at Arsenal
With Liverpool seizing a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, and Arsenal now putting the majority of their focus into a good Champions League run, attention is already turning to the summer transfer window.
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It is a significant loss for the Spaniard.
Barring a miracle, Arsenal won't be winning their first domestic league crown in 21 years after all, which has arguably been down to consistent injury problems suffered throughout the Gunners' squad, including some pretty key names.
Arsenal's next five Premier League games Date
Everton (away) April 5th
Brentford (home) April 12th
Ipswich Town (away) April 20th
Crystal Palace (home) TBD
Bournemouth (home) May 3rd
Bukayo Saka made a stunning return to the fold on Tuesday night after recovering from a hamstring injury, scoring in a 2-1 win over Fulham, but star defender Gabriel Magalahaes was hauled off in the early stages after picking up a fresh injury problem.
Arsenal's need for strength in depth is prevalent, as Arteta suggested this week in his pre-match press conference, and the Spaniard is fully anticipating a busy first summer window following Berta's arrival.
Arsenal-Berta-dream-lineup
"We want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step," said Arteta on Arsenal's summer transfer plans.
"It’s going to be a big one, and we are very excited about it.”
Some reports suggest that Berta could spend up to £300 million on seven new Arsenal signings (GiveMeSport), with co-chair Josh Kroenke expressing real excitement over the 53-year-old's appointment.
"He understands our values and what we stand for, and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies," said Kroenke.
“We undertook a thorough recruitment process, and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”
Arsenal expected to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol
One of Berta's goals this summer is to sign a new second-choice keeper behind David Raya, with Bournemouth loanee Neto currently a temporary solution.
Espanyol starlet Joan Garcia was heavily linked with a move to the club last summer, and Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 23-year-old even agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal at the time.
Espanyol's Joan Garcia makes a save
Garcia's current release clause stands at £21 million, but this could rise to £25 million or even drop to as low as £12.5 million, depending on Espanyol's La Liga status.
In any case, as per Sky Sports journalist David Garrido, speaking to the outlet's 'Back Pages' podcast, Spanish sources fully expect Garcia to join Arsenal from Espanyol this summer after a deal fell through in 2024.
"They’re also looking at a goalkeeper,” Garrido said.
“I think people in Spain are very much expecting Joan Garcia from Espanyol to go to Arsenal too. So there’s plenty of work to be done."
The Spaniard has been called an "exciting" young goalkeeper by members of the press, and he played a major role in Espanyol's promotion to La Liga last season. Their persistence in targeting Garcia also highlights how Arteta must seriously rate the player.