Now that the 2025/26 season is well underway, Andrea Berta has been given some pointers regarding what Arsenal need in the transfer market.
Arsenal’s squad depth is incredible thanks to the work the sporting director pulled off in the summer, but already, cracks are beginning to show.
The Gunners have suffered so many injuries this season, giving Berta an idea of where the squad needs further strengthening.
One area that undoubtedly looks in dire need of attention is the midfield, as behind Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi is a void that no player can fill.
A midfielder close to Zubimendi and Rice’s calibre won’t come cheap, but that doesn’t mean that the job can’t be done.
What do Arsenal need to do in the January transfer window?
How would you like to see Arsenal strengthen in the January transfer window based on what you’ve seen this season? Let us know in the comments!
Arsenal learn Crystal Palace’s transfer stance on Adam Wharton
Some wanted to see Adam Wharton sign for Arsenal instead of Martin Zubimendi, but it was the Spaniard who arrived.
Now, there’s an opening for Arsenal to push to sign Wharton next summer, as journalist Alan Nixon has revealed.
Nixon understands that Palace ‘will sell’ Wharton at the end of the season if an appropriate offer is received.
Though the Gunners haven’t been credited with an early interest, with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United mentioned, Berta could change the narrative.
Arsenal already have a good relationship with Steve Parish, which is one plus; another is that Wharton wants Champions League football.
Would Adam Wharton get into Arsenal’s current XI? If yes, who drops out?
Responding to Nixon’s update, one reader asked, “Are we talking £75-100 million ballpark figure?”
The journalist responded, “Would have to be,” giving an indication of how much Wharton’s price tag will be.
Given how Mikel Arteta needs another top-quality midfielder to support Rice and Zubimendi, Berta could make the Arsenal manager very happy by doing the groundwork on Wharton.
Declan Rice would love Arsenal to sign Wharton
It’s not only Arteta who would surely approve of signing Wharton, but Rice too.
Not only would a move for the Crystal Palace jewel ease Arsenal’s reliance on Rice, but it would hand the 26-year-old his dream teammate.
Speaking in a press conference whilst on international duty in June 2024, Rice described Wharton as ‘outstanding’.
“He has been outstanding, and I think in training he has impressed a lot of the players.”
The Arsenal star then listed some of Wharton’s best traits, and it has to be said, they’re an array of qualities that Arteta would love.
“He is so composed and calm on the ball. He has got a beautiful left foot, crisp passing, and is all-round just a really down-to-earth boy who wants to learn.”
Could Arsenal make their squad even better by beating other Premier League clubs to Wharton in the summer? The ball is in Berta’s court.
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