Journalist: Arsenal to Sign 5 Key Players This Summer | OneFootball

Andrea Berta’s Arsenal Challenge Begins with a Crucial Summer Ahead

Key Figure Joins Arteta’s Vision

There’s a quiet confidence about Arsenal’s latest backroom addition. Andrea Berta, the club’s newly appointed sporting director, isn’t one for headlines or grandstanding – but his arrival marks a shift in how Arsenal intend to build from here.

As reported by TNT Sports, Berta arrives with a formidable CV built during his tenure at Atlético Madrid. His impact in Spain included orchestrating deals for Jan Oblak, a triumphant return for Antoine Griezmann, and managing complex long-term loans like Thibaut Courtois’ spell at the club.

“You have to say that he was the architect of the Atletico Madrid that won the league twice, got to the Champions League final twice, won the Europa League… working alongside Simeone in a very discreet way,” explained Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.

Photo IMAGO

With Edu stepping away from his role, Arsenal have moved decisively to fill the void. Berta isn’t just an administrator; he’s a tactician in the market. A man capable of navigating the fine lines between ambition and austerity – a skill Arsenal may need more than ever this summer.

Quiet Operator with Bold Intent

Balague describes Berta as “a top negotiator and considered one of the best in the business,” a man who achieved sustained success despite operating in the shadow of La Liga’s financial giants.

Now at Arsenal, Berta has been tasked with guiding a pivotal transfer window. Mikel Arteta made no attempt to downplay its importance, telling reporters on April 1: “It’s going to be a big one.”

Photo: IMAGO

But spending won’t be reckless. “They just want to be creative with what they’ve got and what they bring in,” said Balague. Arsenal don’t intend to splash £300 million but will instead pursue surgical reinforcements in key positions.

Targets Identified, Budgets Restricting

The shopping list is clear. A left winger, centre-forward, and holding midfielder are priorities. With the futures of some squad members uncertain, the club expects to replace five players, with three or four arriving ready to start.

Names linked include Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Nico Williams. These are talents with both present ability and future potential – consistent with Arsenal’s recent recruitment blueprint.

But financial fair play restrictions, particularly in Europe, mean the club will also have to sell smartly. Berta’s arrival should assist here too. “He’s experienced, he’s a hard worker and he’s very brave,” Balague adds, underlining the need for calculated risk.

Photo: IMAGO

Culture Shift in North London

More than transfers, Berta’s arrival signals an effort to entrench a “winning culture”, according to Balague. It’s not just about plugging gaps but elevating standards across recruitment and mentality. His partnership with Arteta could define Arsenal’s next era.

“He wants to create, alongside Mikel Arteta, a winning culture,” said Balague. “This is a guy that’s done very well in the context of Real Madrid and Barcelona… he managed to get that extra bit that Arsenal doesn’t seem to get.”

In a league increasingly driven by marginal gains, Arsenal believe Berta could be the bridge between near-success and silverware.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal, this feels like a subtle yet significant turning point. The appointment of Berta won’t sell shirts or dominate the back pages, but it might just determine whether this team can finally go the distance. Fans have grown weary of near-misses and inconsistency; the hope now is that Berta brings the edge that pushes the Gunners over the line.

His work at Atlético Madrid speaks volumes. Competing against richer clubs, he built a culture of intelligent recruitment and unity – something Arsenal have been building towards but haven’t yet fully mastered. His ability to land value-driven deals could be vital given financial constraints.

The list of targets is mouth-watering. Zubimendi offers control in midfield. Sesko and Gyokeres provide variety up front. Nico Williams brings speed and unpredictability on the flanks. If Berta helps Arsenal land even two of those, fans will rightly see this summer as transformative.

There will be nerves, of course. Past windows have promised more than they delivered. But if the club can match its off-field savvy with on-pitch belief, this could be the moment Arsenal shift from contenders to champions.