Andrea Berta has been inundated with transfer recommendations from Arsenal fans, who are expecting big things.
Supporters have the right to want more from the 2025 summer transfer window after Arsenal’s disastrous presence in the 2024/25 market.
When the need for a top-quality forward was paramount, the Gunners recruited only one player for the front line, welcoming Raheem Sterling on a deadline day loan.
Sterling’s loan disaster at Arsenal will haunt former sporting director Edu Gaspar, and now, Berta is expected to pick up the pieces.
Arsenal given direction for Xavi Simons transfer
Already, Berta is said to have 12 attackers on Arsenal’s transfer wishlist, one of which is Nico Williams.
Athletic Bilbao have been proactive with interest surrounding the winger, offering Williams a new contract to keep the 22-year-old in Spain.
Arsenal might have to move on from their dreams of landing the forward, which could prompt Berta to splash the Kroenke’s cash on a former target.
Last summer, Xavi Simons was linked to Arsenal as the RB Leipzig playmaker was undecided on his future, and this year, his situation remains unchanged.
If anything, Simons’ incentive to leave Leipzig has grown as the German club missed out on European football, giving Berta food for thought.
Unlike other targets, Arsenal’s sporting director could go into negotiations with Simons with a useful insight, as Spanish outlet AS reported what the Dutchman’s wage demands are.
It’s understood that Simons is ready to leave Leipzig, but only if his wage demands of €13m-a-year are met.
The figure amounts to an annual salary of around £10m, which is similar to Bukayo Saka’s £195k-a-week salary at Arsenal, as per Capology’s data.
The conditions are clear if Arsenal wish to sign Simons, who is valued at €80m (£67m), giving Berta something to think about when discussing top-quality forwards available this summer.
Nico Williams’ wage demands could be double of Simons’ request
Plenty of clubs, including Arsenal, are aware of Simons’ wish to leave Leipzig in the summer.
Armed with the knowledge of the player’s salary request, Berta could present the 22-year-old with an appealing package to consider.
It’s not only the understanding of Simons’ demands that could prompt Arsenal to further explore signing the versatile forward, but also the fact that the pursuit of Williams has reached a screeching halt.
| Xavi Simons | Statistic | Nico Williams |
| 25 | Appearances | 29 |
| 10 | Goals | 5 |
| 7 | Assists | 5 |
| 20% | Conversion % | 9% |
| 2.0 | Key passes p/g | 1.4 |
| 1.3 | Dribbles p/g | 2.3 |
Simons outperformed Williams considerably over the 2024/25 campaign, but that’s not the only reason why Arsenal might prefer the Dutchman to the Spaniard.
Due to Athletic Bilbao’s transfer policy, the Basque club can offer their players bigger wage packets, which contribute to Williams’ eye-watering demand of £400k-a-week.
Signing Simons could give Arsenal a player capable of boosting Arteta’s options in the final third while keeping the wage structure intact, making it a win-win.
It remains to be seen how Arsenal react to the news of Simons’ salary expectations and whether the Gunners opt to revive their interest.
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