After welcoming a flurry of six players to Arsenal earlier in the summer, Andrea Berta’s current business in the transfer window has gone undetected.
The focus of pre-season was on bolstering the Arsenal squad in time for the start of the season.
Mikel Arteta started two of his new signings in the opening day win against Manchester United, but it became clear that more work needs to be done.
Though Arsenal’s squad depth was noticed against United, the missing piece to the puzzle was as glaring as ever: Berta needs to sign another winger.
Andrea Berta makes Arsenal transfer demand
Berta was in contact with Eberechi Eze over a potential transfer, but the Englishman’s future is now a one-horse race, with the playmaker on course to sign for Tottenham.
The change in plan comes as a result of two factors: Arsenal would prefer to sign a left winger, and the Gunners need to sanction some exits.
It’s understood that, more than anything, Arsenal are responsible with their finances, wanting to avoid being the subject of even being questioned over PSR.
Right now, Berta’s mind is firmly on sales, with The Athletic providing an update on what the sporting director is currently combating.
Arsenal are ‘in talks’ with Porto, VfB Stuttgart and Fulham over the exits of Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson, respectively.
The issue that Berta finds himself in is that clubs aren’t presenting a package that the sporting director deems to be acceptable, with no proposal currently satisfying demands.
The three interested clubs are hoping to see Arsenal ‘lower their expectations’, which is something Berta hopes the Gunners ‘will be loath’ about.
Berta has made it clear that he doesn’t want the club to be open to ‘too many concessions’, but the problem is that in reality, something might have to give.
Arsenal recognise the need to urgently sell
While Berta’s desire to change how poorly Arsenal are at selling players is positive, things might not be able to be put into action this summer.
The Athletic note that alongside the need for change in sale fees, Arsenal ‘equally recognise’ that the squad needs to be altered before the window closes.
As seen by how many players missed out on making the squad at Old Trafford, there are many members of Arteta’s squad that are no longer needed.
With time running out, it will be fascinating to see who Arsenal get out the door and who comes in before the market slams shut.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball