Andrea Berta has already left an impressive mark on Arsenal football club but just a week into the January transfer window, he might just have done his best piece of business yet without even entering the market.
Berta’s stint as sporting director has been a roaring success so far and his summer signings have all contributed in their own way so far.
With weeks of the January window to go, Arsenal are being linked with a move for Marc Guehi, as Berta once again looks to flex his muscles in the market.
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Still, while new signings were the aim of the game for Berta in his initial days, his latest tasks have been centred more around ensuring Arsenal keep their best talents.
And with news emerging about a new contract for Bukayo Saka, it looks like Berta is about to exceed expectations.
Bukayo Saka signing a new contract is going to be Andrea Berta’s best Arsenal move yet
With David Ornstein reporting that Saka is set to sign a new long-term deal at Arsenal, it is yet another positive step for the club.
But while to many outsiders this might just look like a simple new deal, it will mean more to Berta and Arsenal.
Firstly, Saka was contracted to 2027 anyway, meaning there was no huge rush to get a deal done. Berta, though, has gone early and getting the England man tied down to 2030 and on increased terms, only shows where Arsenal are heading as a club.
Secondly, for those wanting to join Arsenal, Saka signing a new deal shows very much that the top stars at the club are happy. And while William Saliba might eventually end up leaving, it seems Saka is going nowhere anytime soon.
Finally, for Berta himself, this very much proves he is the man for the job. He has been proactive here, cementing one of Arsenal’s biggest talents and crucially, a home-grown one.
With Saka leading the charge and Berta controlling everything from above, Arsenal now look well set to win trophies for years to come.
Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal career in numbers
Bukayo Saka is one of the best ever products of the Arsenal youth system. That is just a fact.
His impact on the team and at international level has been massive and when time eventually comes on his career, he’ll go down as one of the Gunners’ all-time greats.
In terms of simplistic statistics, Saka has more than contributed over the years and regularly hits the 20+ mark in terms of goals and assists combined.
Arsenal fans…What’s been your favourite Bukayo Saka season so far and why?
As it stands, Saka is on course to help Arsenal finally get that first Premier League title since 2004.
And if he does help them over the line, it only cements his legacy with the club further.
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