Andrea Berta has a lot to do at Arsenal this summer, but he’s set to secure his first signing as the North London club’s new sporting director.
The Gunners want to sign a striker, a winger, a midfielder, a defender and a back-up goalkeeper, in what could be an exceptionally busy transfer window for the Italian football administrator.
Gabriel Magalhaes signed a new contract on Friday, with this being the first piece of business Berta has conducted, and he has several more players he wants to tie down to new deals this summer.
Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi is set to sign for Arsenal from Real Sociedad, with this deal expected to be announced in early July.
However, another man may beat Zubimendi to becoming Berta’s first Gunners acquisition.
Arsenal set to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga
Arsenal are in need of a new back-up goalkeeper after Norberto Neto returned to Bournemouth folllowing his season-long loan in N5.
Reports emerged on Friday suggesting Arsenal have made Kepa Arrizabalaga their top target in this department, and the deal has since progressed rapidly.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Gunners are set to secure Kepa’s services, as they plan to activate his £5 million release clause.
Despite having David Raya at their disposal, it’s understood that the former Real Madrid man is willing to fight for his place at the Emirates and was convinced to turn down offers from elsewhere to join the North London outfit.
The deal is expected to go through in the coming days.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is an outstanding signing for Arsenal
Kepa, who has been described as ‘brilliant’ by Petr Cech (via the Standard), was exceptional on loan at Bournemouth last season, keeping nine clean sheets across 35 Premier League appearances for the Cherries.
Experienced and inexpensive, the Spaniard is the perfect man to deputise for Raya.
Last season, Mikel Arteta was unable to call upon Neto, with the Brazilian evidently not at the level required, meaning Raya had to play almost every minute for the Gunners.
However, with Kepa in the Arsenal boss’ ranks, and the 30-year-old boasting many of the same attributes as Raya, this won’t be an issue for Arsenal.
It’s a great opening deal for Berta, which should set the tone for the rest of the summer.
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