Andrea Berta is a busy man this summer as Arsenal are active in the transfer market for plenty of new signings.
The sporting director, who joined the club earlier this year, has wasted little time in getting players through the door already.
One of the bigger challenges he faces at Arsenal may not surround attracting players in, but keeping stars from moving out.
Andrea Berta has been locked in contract talks with several stars already, with Gabriel Magalhaes sealing a new contract at Arsenal as one of several extensions planned out.
While Arsenal continue contract talks with Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, there are two other deals being lined up that could be the best business the club conducts this summer.
Arsenal are pushing on for deals with Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman this summer
The Arsenal academy has been full of talent in years gone by, but the current crop of players coming through may be the most promising yet.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has already signed a contract extension, following an impressive breakout campaign last season.
Now, following him, Arsenal are growing in confidence over a new deal for Ethan Nwaneri, who has just 12 months remaining on his contract.
The 18-year-old also enjoyed a breakout season last time out and will be looking to build on that to have an even bigger impact.
While last season saw Nwaneri become a regular after the new year, being in there from the start could see him involved far more and developing in the way he wants to.
The same can be said of Max Dowman, with talks underway over a pre-contract agreement that could see him commit to a first professional deal in the years to come.
The youngster is now eligible to make his first-team debut, which could come during Arsenal’s pre-season tour.
At just 15 years old, Dowman has been tipped for big things, and that reflects in his rapid rise to notoriety.
If both are signed up, it’s a bit of business that won’t cost Arsenal a penny in transfer fees but could be their best move for the long-term future of the team.
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Arsenal face a challenge in balancing winning now and the future
One of the main challenges that Arsenal currently face surrounds the balancing of winning trophies now and building a dynasty now that they’re back at the top.
Everyone wants to win trophies, but the long-term risk for that short-term gain is one that the Arsenal owners aren’t willing to take.
There is a plan to keep the Gunners around the top, and that includes making smart decisions across all phases.
The inclusion of academy prospects may come into conflict at times with the need to win now, due to the time it takes to progress and learn from mistakes at key moments.
However, it’s clear that Nwaneri, Dowman and Lewis-Skelly are the foundation of sustained success that lasts longer than one trophy.
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