Arsenal have installed new sporting director Andrea Berta – and have lined up their first two signings of the summer.
Berta arrives with a wealth of experience from Atletico Madrid, having joined the Gunners to replace legendary Invincible, Edu Gaspar, in the backroom team alongside manager, Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners are said to be set for a busy summer, with a new forward or two top of their priority list – but Berta may already have his first couple of signings on the table already.
The first two signings for Arsenal this summer are on the table
The primary target for Arsenal this summer is believed to be Alexander Isak. Ranked at no.2 in FourFourTwo's list of the best strikers in the world right now, the £150m-rated Swede may be priced way out of Arteta's range, however.
With the squad needing strengthening in other areas, it appears as if the club are looking to strengthen in other areas before addressing the need for a new no.9.
Estadio Deportivo in Spain have reported that Espanyol are already shopping for a replacement for Joan Garcia, given his “likely” departure to Arsenal this summer.
Earlier this year, fellow Spanish outlet AS reported that the Catalan outfit would accept a transfer bid from Arsenal “without hesitation” after the North Londoners had agreed terms with the goalkeeper last summer.
This is on top of Sami Mokbel writing in The Mail earlier this year that a move for Martin Zubimendi is “virtually complete”.
FourFourTwo understands that while there is interest in the Real Sociedad no.6 from Real Madrid, Arsenal are planning for next season with Zubimendi.
While neither deal is done, it's positive for Arsenal that two signings are close to joining – and though neither are the top forward that Arteta craves, it does makes sense.
If Isak is the top target, Arsenal will be torn between spending a nine-figure sum on the Newcastle star or splitting that money between two or three players.
Tying up the other pressing areas of the squad that need investment will allow the North Londoners to push ahead and hopefully negotiate the best deal possible for a marquee forward later in the window, when their hand could well be stronger.
Garcia is valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt. Arsenal face Everton this weekend when Premier League action returns.
