Stan Kroenke might tell Andrea Berta to target £60m star now instead of Eberechi Eze

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There can be few complaints about how Andrea Berta is working at Arsenal this summer.

Arriving as the Gunners’ sporting director at a time when the role couldn’t be more important, all eyes have been on Berta’s activity. 

It’s fair to say that Arsenal fans are impressed with Berta, as already, the North Londoners have signed four new players. 

Mikel Arteta understands that his Arsenal squad is still short, giving his Italian colleague direction to keep the new signings coming until the window closes.

• READ MORE: Andrea Berta has played a ‘blinder’ as Arsenal are about to sign a ‘colossus’ in bargain deal

Andrea Berta could be more tempted by Xavi Simons than Eberechi Eze

Berta’s task is clear: make Arteta’s squad capable of winning the Premier League title. 

That doesn’t just mean star signings, but depth in quality too, something that is being worked on.

Aside from a striker, Berta is understood to be exploring the market for a new number ten, with Eberechi Eze linked to Arsenal as a result. 

Though the Crystal Palace superstar is an appealing target, it could be said that Stan and Josh Kroenke would prefer Berta to look at a different player to bolster the ranks. 

Journalist Simon Phillips understands that Crystal Palace want Eze’s £68m release clause paid in a single payment, something that could be considered a deterrent on the finance front. 

Added to that, the England international is demanding a considerable salary, which just might turn Arsenal’s head to another emerging target.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal target Xavi Simons could leave RB Leipzig for less than €70m this summer, which could offer Berta the chance to swoop for a £60m bargain.

Given how similar Eze and Simons’ profiles are, it would surely be a case of one or the other for Arsenal, with finances suggesting that the Dutchman would be a smarter choice. 

How Simons compared to Eze over the 2024/25 season

Romano noted Arsenal’s interest in Simons, which is encouraging as the 22-year-old is a force to be reckoned with.

When looking at the difference between Simons and Eze over their respective 2024/25 league campaigns, it’s clear to see why the Gunners have shown an interest in both.

If it were finances that separated the deals, then it’s arguable that Simons would be the better capture.

At 22, the Dutchman is five years Eze’s junior and is performing at a similar level to the Premier League star.

What the Englishman has over Simons is that he’s already acclimatised to the Premier League, but such comes at a price, as Arsenal are learning.

The Kroenkes might just prefer Berta to swoop for the most cost-effective target, with £68m being paid upfront not something that the Gunners would typically be willing to offer.