Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, pushed the boat out this summer as he helped spend £250 million in the transfer window.
With eight signings confirmed for the Gunners, it was a busy one at the Emirates Stadium, with the goal of improving the squad for a busy season ahead.
Every position was strengthened in some way, whether that was with the signing of someone to come straight into the team or the addition of quality in depth.
Arsenal are now left with the team that will be fighting for the Premier League title in the first half of the season, alongside their other cup commitments.
While it was a summer of big spend, there was one deal that Andrea Berta was hopeful of securing for cheaper than he did.
- READ MORE: Andrea Berta actually offered ‘incredible’ star to Bayer Leverkusen in swap deal for Piero Hincapie
Arsenal wanted Eberechi Eze for less than his £67 million transfer price
Of all the signings this summer, Arsenal’s hijacking of Tottenham’s deal for Eberechi Eze may well be the most memorable.
It was a move that not only brought about great joy, getting one over their old rivals in the process, but it brought a boyhood fan back to the club.
Eze’s reaction to being unveiled at the Emirates Stadium was priceless, as he couldn’t wipe away the smile from his face.
However, the actual price itself, quoted as being worth up to roughly £67 million, was more than Berta was willing to pay at first.
That’s according to The Athletic, which reports that Berta had initially only wanted to pay £50 million to bring Eze to the club.
However, the injury to Kai Havertz, mixed with Tottenham’s move for the England international, pushed them to spend more.
It was a bold move to make, given the price and just how much it ruffled the feathers of their long-time rivals.
However, it’s the sort of risk Arsenal haven’t really taken when it comes to transfers in recent seasons.
That could prove to be the difference at the end of the season, with Eze’s creativity able to unlock any defence.
What Mikel Arteta said about Eberechi Eze explains Arsenal’s transfer decision
Arsenal’s move for Eze certainly sent shockwaves through the world, but it wasn’t all about beating their rivals in the market.
It’s clear that the Gunners have struggled with creativity at times, and having that wildcard option in someone like him could make all the difference.
Mikel Arteta explained as much in his first press conference after the star signed, claiming: “I’m really impressed with him.
“I heard a lot of things about him. I spoke to a lot of people about him. He’s really bright, has very special energy and a special aura around him. He’s really willing.
“He’s already gathered a lot of information on the things that we want to see on the pitch. But especially, making sure that he has the freedom and the capacity to express his quality, which is the reason why we brought him here.”
That now needs to translate onto the pitch, as Arsenal need results to keep up their Premier League title chase this season.
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