Respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update out of Arsenal this week, and it’s a potentially exciting one for supporters.
Mikel Arteta makes Andrea Berta claim before Ipswich
Mikel Arteta will be assisted by new sporting director Andrea Berta this summer, with the former Atlético Madrid chief officially joining late last month in a serious boost for the north Londoners.
Arsenal refuse to rule out signing £163k-per-week ex-Man City forward
The Gunners are set for a key decision.
2 ByEmilio GalantiniApr 18, 2025
Berta arrives at Arsenal with a glowing reputation after 12 very productive years at Atlético, with some reports suggesting that the Italian has already made a firm head start on the club’s transfer plans.
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Berta is said to have held discussions with Nico Williams’ camp recently, as Arsenal look to tempt the Spain winger with a move to the Premier League, while GiveMeSport report that the 53-year-old could spend up to £300 million on as many as seven major signings.
“Yeah, those things were already discussed with him,” said Arteta on Berta’s transfer goals, speaking before Arsenal’s clash against Ipswich.
“But yes, I hope that he has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones and use his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right goals.
“I think it’s an opportunity. Somebody else comes in with different ideas, different methods, different ways of working and other priorities as well in the way that they work. And I think this makes us better.”
Arsenal are in desperate need of a prolific centre-forward in particular, with long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposing their lack of depth up front and forcing Arteta to rely on Mikel Merino as an emergency striker.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak are just some of the high-profile names to be linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, but they are all attracting interest from several sides and there is no guarantee that Arsenal can win the race for any of them.
Fabrizio Romano says striker "will arrive" at Arsenal this summer
However, in an update which eases the worries of supporters somewhat, Romano has now moved to confirm that a striker “will arrive” at Arsenal this summer.
“What I can tell you today is that Arteta will be backed in the market,” said the journalist on his YouTube channel.
“Arteta will have a lot of power in the market – together with Andrea they will plan for the strategy. (Martin) Zubimendi is a top target, the new striker will arrive, Arsenal will also do more on the market.
“So Arsenal are working hard on Zubimendi, on the striker, on the winger probably, and more. Arsenal will be busy in the market and Arteta will be backed – but he really deserved that.”
Of the centre-forwards rumoured to be on Arsenal’s agenda, Sesko could be the most prudent option.
The Slovenian has already bettered his goal tally from last season and could leave for just £62 million, which is the current value of his release clause, and Arsenal attempted to sign Sesko last summer, so he clearly has an admirer in Arteta.