The potential appointment of Andrea Berta as Arsenal’s sporting director has sparked fervent debate regarding the club’s summer transfer targets. Among the players expected to draw the Gunners’ attention is Spanish star Martin Zubimendi. Despite interim sporting director Jason Ayto currently handling negotiations after Edu Gaspar’s departure, the club is anticipated to continue its pursuit, with Berta’s Spanish connections unlikely to disrupt proceedings, unless unforeseen reservations arise.
It’s plausible that Mikel Arteta’s aspirations for the upcoming season align with the incoming director’s vision, though the extent of Berta’s influence on additional player acquisitions remains to be seen. The search for reinforcements extends beyond the midfield, with Arsenal keen to bolster their forward line.
One key advantage Berta brings is his established rapport with notable figures in the football world, including super-agent Jorge Mendes. While Mendes’ ties to Atlético Madrid transcend Berta’s influence, his roster features promising talents like Bradley Barcola, who would be an electrifying addition to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal.
At just 22, the PSG winger has made a striking impression in Ligue 1, both before and after joining the French giants. His impressive haul of six goal contributions in 12 European fixtures complements 13 goals and seven assists across 26 domestic games. In total, the young Frenchman boasts 18 goals and 12 assists in 43 outings this season, showcasing the qualities needed to complement Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank of Arteta’s team.
Berta’s connections could potentially open the door for this coveted transfer, though Barcola’s move would undeniably command a significant fee, given PSG’s €40 million (£33.6 million) acquisition from Lyon in 2023.