Andrea Berta plots triple £126m Arsenal transfer move after huge Xavi Simons decision made
by Kieran Horn · football.londonArsenal look primed to sanction four marquee signings this summer with sporting director Andrea Berta set for a busy first few months in his new role. The former Atletico Madrid chief was officially confirmed as Edu Gaspar's replacement this past weekend with a number of transfer tasks on the agenda before the 2025/26 season.
Bolstering the options Mikel Arteta has up front will be one priority with an elite-level striker signing and versatile attacking addition both under serious consideration. Bringing a midfielder on board is also expected to be a clear aim with Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to leave this summer on free transfers.
The Gunners will hope that other permanent outgoings can therefore be sealed to raise funds that can be reinvested into the squad. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.
Triple Berta move plotted
Since the arrival of Berta, Arsenal transfer links to four players have either emerged or ramped up. With talks having been held to potentially sign Leroy Sane as a free agent, interest in Viktor Gyokeres has also stepped up after Sporting CP were said to have agreed that he could leave for £62.8 million (€75m).
Martin Zubimendi is also still expected to join with the Gunners either activating his £51m release clause or paying just over that fee using instalments. And finally, Arsenal lead eight other teams in the race Joan Garcia and if Espanyol are relegated from La Liga this season, which looks likely, he is available for just £12.5m (€15m).
football.london says: If Arsenal agree to those deals and roughly at the aforementioned prices, that would be in the region of £126m spent on three players that drastically improve the squad and adding Sane into the mix for free would make it a very successful summer for Berta and Arteta on paper.
Currently, it is just talks and admiration but there is a seriously possibility that all four do arrive in North London ahead of the 2025/26 season. With no international tournament taking place, full focus can be on wrapping up deals as quickly as possible with Zubimendi likely the first one through the door.
Sane would seemingly follow next if he does not agree to an extension with Bayern Munich. And given the other teams interested in the duo, Gyokeres and Garcia could be the late arrivals if both the two players and Arteta decide that is their final transfer decisions, respectively.
Simons decision
Alternatively to those names, Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig appears to be an option under consideration by numerous Premier League clubs including Arsenal.
The Netherlands international was linked to the Gunners during his chaotic transfer battle involving former teams Paris Saint-Germain and PSV before he joined the German club on a permanent basis this past summer for £41.8m(€50m).
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed, however, he could be ready for a new challenge with £58m-£62m (€70m-€75m) reportedly the asking price of the Bundesliga side.
football.london says: Simons is undoubtedly a talent for the future and present, but it remains to be seen if he is what Arsenal need especially at that price.
His versatility is a plus but it could also be seen as a detriment with his best position seemingly behind the striker where Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and eventually Ethan Nwaneri are able to play. However, he has also been deployed on the left which is an area that could be strengthened.
Though Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are the current options for that role, links to Sane and Williams suggest that an upgrade is being considered. However, the latter duo are far more suitable for the role than Simons which should take Arsenal's firm transfer interest elsewhere.
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