Arsenal Boss Arteta and Sporting Director Berta Align on Transfer Targets
By Isaam Khan | Updated: 16:33 BST, 16 May 2025

[Image: Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta in discussion. Caption: Arteta insists his vision aligns with new sporting director Andrea Berta.]

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed reports of friction with incoming sporting director Andrea Berta, emphasizing their shared strategy for the club’s crucial summer transfer window. Berta, who joined Arsenal in March after a successful tenure at Atletico Madrid, replaces Edu and faces the task of bolstering a squad that fell short of silverware again this season.

Striker Search in Focus
The Gunners are prioritizing a new striker, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko atop their shortlist. Arteta affirmed his collaboration with Berta remains seamless: “If we weren’t aligned, it would mean we failed to communicate clearly. That hasn’t happened. Edu and I worked cohesively for five years, and I guarantee the same with Andrea.”

[Image: Andrea Berta at a match. Caption: Berta’s experience at Atletico Madrid brings high expectations.]

Arteta acknowledged past transfer missteps but stressed the importance of learning: “Not every signing works, but we analyze every decision. We don’t have a crystal ball, but our process is thorough.”

Havertz Nears Return
Kai Havertz could make his comeback in Arsenal’s clash against Newcastle, a win for which would secure Champions League qualification. The German forward has been sidelined since February with a hamstring injury but has impressed Arteta in training: “Kai looks sharp. His physical metrics have improved significantly—critical for a striker. We’ll assess his readiness, but he’s a key player for us.”

[Image: Kai Havertz in training. Caption: Havertz’s return could boost Arsenal’s attack.]

Pressure to Deliver
With Arsenal’s last major trophy dating back to 2020, the summer window is pivotal. Fans demand ambition in the market, and Arteta’s partnership with Berta will be under scrutiny. As the manager noted, “The club knows what we need. If we don’t act, it’s only because we’ve scrutinized every option.”

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