Andrea Berta has reportedly earmarked the two players he wants to be his first acquisitions as Arsenal sporting director. The Italian is set to be appointed as Edu‘s full-time successor at the Emirates Stadium, following Jason Ayto’s interim spell in charge of the transfers department.
The Gunners have conducted a lengthy replacement process and landed on Berta, who left Atletico Madrid in January after more than a decade at the club. The Italian is already believed to be looking ahead to the summer transfer window, in which Arsenal are set to strengthen after what looks likely to be yet another Premier League title near-miss.
According to AS, Berta is intent on starting his reign by signing a dynamic midfield duo worth a combined £110million. The player at the very top of his wish list is Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, and the report states that Berta has already communicated his interest to the player’s entourage.
The Magpies will be in a poor position to keep hold of Guimaraes if they miss out on Champions League qualification. And it is understood they may be willing to cash in on him for £60m.
Berta reportedly wants to pair the Brazilian with Martin Zubimendi, with the midfield duo lined up to replace the outgoing Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract in June.
Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract is believed to include a £50m release clause. And Arsenal put in significant legwork with his camp in January, to the point that some reports indicate a deal for the summer is all but sewn up.
Landing both players would be a major statement of intent from Berta, and signify an important reshuffle in the Arsenal engine room. Whether or not the Gunners have the funds for the pair may depend on the fate of their striker search.
Alexander Isak is thought to be at the top of their hit list, but his transfer fee would stretch comfortably into nine-figure territory. There is also the complication of whether Newcastle would be willing to let go of the Swede and Guimaraes in the same window.
RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko has also been the subject of serious interest from Arsenal, along with Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and Wolves ace Matheus Cunha. With so many big names in the mix and multiple areas of the squad to improve, Berta is in for a busy first few months at the Emirates.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk