Andrea Berta has already held talks with Levante striker Etta Eyong, potentially replicating the same method Arsenal used to sign Lukas Podolski from FC Koln.
Levante are in danger of dropping back down to Segunda Division, which means that Eyong could end up moving for a cut-price fee.
SIGN or AVOID: Would you like to see Andrea Berta bring Etta Eyong to Arsenal?
Back in 2012, when Arsenal signed Podolski from Koln, they landed him in a similar situation, where the German attacker was acquired for a relative bargain fee after relegation.
Eyong is very likely to move in the summer, being one of the best young strikers on the market, and work is already underway at the Emirates Stadium to sign him.
Arsenal can repeat their Lukas Podolski bargain with Etta Eyong
Arsenal now have the chance to repeat their Podolski trick and potentially land Eyong for a similar bargain deal.
The Gunners paid just £10.9 million to bring the German forward from the Bundesliga to North London in 2012, which was a great deal at the time.
The forward was one of the best attackers in Germany during that time and had just netted 18 goals and eight assists in 29 Bundesliga matches.
To sign such an experienced and talented player at the time was a real coup for the Gunners, with their move being aided by Koln’s relegation.
👀 Can you name a better bargain deal at Arsenal than Lukas Podolski for £10.9m?
The German club were forced to sell Podolski in a cut-price deal, and now Levante could face a similar situation with Eyong.
Andrea Berta holds direct talks with Etta Eyong
Andrea Berta was in contact with Etta Eyong’s camp during the back end of 2025 as Arsenal worked out the parameters of a deal for the striker, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Gunners are not alone in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, with Manchester United, Fulham and Everton also in the race.
Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “Fulham and Everton are the two latest clubs to enter the race for Eyong. Plus, there’s Manchester United and Arsenal, who have both also scouted Eyong.
“It is my understanding that from Arsenal’s point of view, Andrea Berta even held a direct meeting with the Eyong camp late last year.”
Right now, Levante are keen to agree a deal to sell him before their relegation is confirmed, although his £35 million release clause could protect their valuation.
“Levante would have rather agreed on something now while they are still a La Liga club, but Eyong does also have a release clause that is variable between €30 and €40 million, so the Spanish club still may end up getting their valuation.
“He will wait, and it is very likely that his next destination is either in England or Spain,” added Jacobs.
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