Arsenal’s recruitment strategy under Andrea Berta is not just focused on the present.
The Gunners are looking for players who can help Mikel Arteta win trophies right now, but they are also searching for the next generation of stars who could define the club’s future.
That approach has worked brilliantly before. Arsenal spotted William Saliba’s potential years before he became one of the best defenders in the world and moved quickly to secure his signature.
Now, it appears Berta is trying something very similar with another highly-rated French defender.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Arsenal have presented their project to Emmanuel Mbemba
Arsenal’s scouts have spent years building a reputation for identifying elite young talent before everyone else catches up.
Saliba is perhaps the best example.
He was still a teenager at Saint-Etienne when Arsenal decided he was worth investing heavily in, and that decision has turned out to be one of the smartest pieces of business the club has made in recent memory.
The Gunners may now be hoping history repeats itself.
According to Le Parisien, Arsenal have presented their project to PSG youngster Emmanuel Mbemba ahead of a potential move this summer.
The 18-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and appears increasingly likely to leave the French champions.
Despite being offered a professional deal by PSG, Mbemba is considering his options, and Arsenal are among the clubs trying to convince him.
The report states that the Premier League champions have monitored him several times throughout the campaign and have now formally outlined their plans for his development.
Mbemba captained PSG’s youth side and played a key role during their successful Gambardella Cup run, which only increased interest in his services.
With Arsenal looking to strengthen their pipeline of young talent, it is easy to see why they view him as an attractive opportunity.
What’s your message to John Terry after he said William Saliba is not world-class?
Emmanuel Mbemba could follow William Saliba’s path at Arsenal
What makes this situation particularly interesting is what would happen if Mbemba actually joins Arsenal.
According to the report, the teenager does not currently have enough points to secure a work permit in England. That means the North Londoners would be unable to integrate him into Arteta’s squad immediately.
Instead, Andrea Berta would likely have to send him out on loan elsewhere in Europe while he continues his development.
That should sound very familiar to Arsenal supporters.
When Saliba signed for the Gunners in 2019, he was immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne before eventually making his way to north London.
Arsenal will hope Mbemba’s journey follows a similar path if they sign him, because if he develops anywhere near as well as Saliba did, the Gunners may have another masterstroke on their hands.
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