Andrea Berta has a lot of work to do at Arsenal in the coming months.
The Italian was announced as the club’s new sporting director in March. He has replaced Edu Gaspar at the Emirates, and all eyes are on him ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are in desperate need of a new striker, while Mikel Arteta also wants to bring in a top-class winger to increase the level of the squad.
But, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho likely to leave at the end of their contracts, Arsenal need reinforcements in the middle of their park too.
Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s top target in midfield, and the Gunners’ chances of landing him may have just increased, thanks to Berta.
Why Andrea Berta’s arrival could help Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi has been linked with a move to England for a long time now.
Arsenal themselves tried to sign him a couple of seasons ago, but the midfielder decided to snub them and stay at Real Sociedad then.
Just last summer, Liverpool tried to sign Zubimendi but were rejected by the player after it seemed like a deal was about to be done.
Arsenal are wary about a repeat of that again, but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Gunners are ‘confident’ of landing him this summer.
In what is a further boost, the journalist has revealed that new sporting director Berta has a great relationship with the player’s agents and has known them for a long time.
That could help Arsenal in their pursuit of signing him before the start of next season.
Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Martin Zubimendi, let me explain what I know. Arsenal are confident. Arsenal are working on it. Arsenal know everything in detail about the release clause. Arsenal are in contact with the player’s camp. So, Arsenal want Zubimendi.
“Still waiting to have a final green light from the player, still working on that, but Arsenal maintain their confidence.
“Andrea Berta, new Arsenal director, has a very good relationship with the agents of Zubimendi. They know each other for a long time. So, for sure, Arsenal are working hard on the Zubimendi deal.”
Arsenal need another midfielder after Zubimendi
Arsenal being confident about signing Zubimendi is a good sign for the fans, but it’s not over until he puts pen to paper.
Irrespective of what happens with the Spaniard, the Gunners need another midfielder.
Zubimendi will replace Partey if he comes in, but Arsenal need to fill Jorginho’s shoes as well – both on and off the pitch.
That will be very important, but whether they will be able to get a big-name player in after Zubimendi remains to be seen.
Perhaps, keeping hold of one of Partey or Jorginho for another year would be a good idea.
