Bold Andrea Berta transfer call was proven absolutely right during Arsenal’s win over Athletic Bilbao

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Andrea Berta will be satisfied with what he saw from Arsenal’s new signings against Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners’ sporting director has impressed this summer, welcoming six new faces to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad. 

Arsenal fans are in awe of Berta’s work, with the Italian’s stock rising after pre-season, as all of the new arrivals impressed over the summer. 

As Viktor Gyokeres scored his first Arsenal goal and Martin Zubimendi amazed against Athletic Bilbao, the sporting director watched on from the stands.

Berta would’ve loved what he saw, not only from those he signed this summer. 

• READ MORE: Portugal’s media share their honest thoughts about Viktor Gyokeres’ performance after his first Arsenal goal

Arsenal will be so glad about Nico Williams transfer snub

One of the talking points of the fixture was seeing Nico Williams at the Emirates.

Arteta wanted Berta to sign Williams this summer, but after a lengthy transfer saga, the winger snubbed all interested clubs and opted to stay at Athletic Bilbao.

Another factor from the Gunners’ side was Williams’ huge wage demands, something that helped him make his decision to remain in Bilbao.

After seeing what the Spaniard did against Arsenal at the Emirates, it could be said that Arteta had a lucky escape.

Pre-season has not been kind to Williams, who has recorded poor performances against PSV, Liverpool and now, Arsenal.

The Euro 2024 star will be glad that the fixture didn’t represent an audition to possibly sign for Arteta’s side, as he was completely ineffective throughout. 

The 23-year-old failed to complete a single dribble and recorded no shots on goal, being an easy opponent for Jurrien Timber.

It wasn’t the first time that Williams has been poor against Premier League opposition, as against Liverpool in pre-season, and against Man United in the Europa League, the forward was anonymous. 

Williams isn’t ready for a big move

As dazzling as Williams is on the biggest stages in one-versus-one situations, it’s clear that the 2002-born star needs time to develop his craft.

Arsenal fans called Williams ‘overhyped’ after watching him in action against Man United last season, a label that the rising star doesn’t need so early into his career.

Remaining at Bilbao to continue to maximise his potential is very smart, as it’s abundantly clear that he’s still perhaps too raw for a league like the Premier League.

Arsenal dodged a bullet by standing back, with the player needing to raise the bar away from the spotlight.