Andrea Berta has been confirmed as Arsenal ‘s new sporting director, taking over from Edu Gaspar, who left the role in November.
There has been speculation for weeks over who would replace Edu in the role, with a number of names being bandied about before Berta emerged as the frontrunner for the position.
Berta was confirmed as Edu’s successor on Sunday morning, with the former Atletico Madrid man taking up the post immediately. And his attention will immediately tun to the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have been in the market for a new forward in each of the last two transfer windows and the Gunners are likely to commit money to a new centre-forward this summer.
It is the one area that really needs attention if the Gunners are to make that next step and win the Premier League title. Season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus this season have hit Mikel Arteta hard.
Arteta will have discussions with Berta over the type of player he wants in his side and there are sure to be a number of players linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium following his appointment.
To make that next step to winning the biggest pieces of silverware, you have to address your problem positions and commit money to doing so.
The likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have been linked in the last few transfer windows, but there is one name that continues to stand out above all the rest when it comes to signing a top centre-forward.
That player is Alexander Isak, who helped fire Newcastle United to their first trophy in 70 years by winning the Carabao Cup this season.
Isak is one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League, currently the third top scorer in the division, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah outscoring him this season.
He has 58 goals and nine assists in 100 games for Newcastle United, having joined from Real Sociedad in 2022/23. He is likely to cost upwards of £100million to prise him away from St James’ Park, but if he guides Arsenal to the title it will be money well spent.
At Newcastle’s parade ceremony on Friday, Isak sent a message to the Magpies fans, saying on social media: “What a memorable day! Love you all!”
Newcastle do not want to sell, but a big-money offer may see them with little choice but to entertain it. The question now is whether or not Arsenal will stump up the cash.
