Mikel Arteta has ‘made it clear’ to Andrea Berta that £50m player must be his first Arsenal signing

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Andrea Berta is set to become Arsenal’s new sporting director.

The Italian left Atletico Madrid after over a decade there, and he has been gearing up for a new role. Edu Gaspar’s departure opened the door at Arsenal, and Berta is set to be the chosen one.

The 53-year-old will have to come in and start plans for the summer transfer window, which is only a few months away.

Arsenal are in desperate need of a new number nine, while one or two new players in midfield are a priority too as Thomas Partey and Jorginho could leave.

But, Mikel Arteta reportedly has another request.

What Mikel Arteta has told Andrea Berta about signing Nico Williams at Arsenal

Nico Williams has been a target for Arteta and Arsenal for a long time.

The Spanish winger is one of the most exciting players in Europe. He is rapid, full of tricks, can dribble past almost anyone and can play on both wings.

That makes him a great option for Arsenal in this summer’s transfer window, and Arteta has communicated that to Berta ahead of his appointment.

That’s according to Football Transfers, who have claimed that “Arsenal’s manager has made it clear to the incoming sporting director that he ought to focus on securing complete buy-in from Williams as his first order of business”.

The report adds that Arteta is desperate to land Williams and wants Berta to use the connections he has built in Spain to get this deal over the line.

It has further been revealed that ‘trying to sway Williams will be Berta’s first proper job at Arsenal’ this summer.

Arsenal know that Nico Williams has a release clause set at £50 million, which is an affordable figure, but his salary demands could complicate things for the Gunners.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for another winger on a free transfer

Williams is rightly Arsenal’s top winger target this summer.

The Spaniard checks all the boxes Arteta looks for – age, profile, speed and versatility – and he would be an amazing signing if the Gunners could get him.

But, there are other options on Arsenal’s list – Leroy Sane is one of them.

The Gunners have been linked with a move to sign the Bayern Munich star, who will be out of contract and available on a free transfer at the end of this season.

We would prefer the Athletic Bilbao attacker, but Williams recently admitted that Sane is faster than him. So, the German may not be a bad alternative – if his wage demands are reasonable.