Mikel Arteta has told the Arsenal board that he’s ‘obsessed’ with one transfer target, it has to happen

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has his heart set on Arsenal signing one player before the 2025/26 season starts.

With as many as six new signings in the works, Andrea Berta has impressed Arsenal fans early into his tenure. 

Arsenal have announced four new signings, with Cristhian Mosquera’s transfer imminent, and Viktor Gyokeres still being worked on. 

It’s not expected that the Gunners’ transfer business will stop at six new arrivals, as Arteta has already acknowledged that his squad is still short. 

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Mikel Arteta is desperate for Arsenal to sign Eberechi Eze

Another player linked to Arsenal is Eberechi Eze. 

The Crystal Palace star has a release clause of £68m and is understood to be open to a return to Arsenal years after being released from the academy.

Arsenal are also eyeing Xavi Simons, who could be regarded as an alternative to the England international, but Arteta’s preference has been made clear. 

That’s the understanding of reliable Arsenal transfer insider ‘Hand of Arsenal’, who took to X to share an update on Eze. 

Since Arsenal’s talks regarding Eze, there have been ‘glowing references’ from members of the squad, as well as Arteta. 

Arteta has ‘directly communicated’ to Arsenal’s hierarchy that he’s ‘obsessed’ with the idea of signing Eze, making his feelings on the possible transfer known to all.

There’s an issue in that Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also admirers of the versatile playmaker, but according to Hand of Arsenal, the player’s preference is the Emirates. 

Andrea Berta might enjoy dealing with Steve Parish

Unlike other deals that Berta is working on, the sporting director might have a rather easy ride when it comes to possibly negotiating with Palace for Eze. 

Arsenal are being tortured by Sporting CP over every detail regarding Gyokeres’ release from the club, but it’s thought that dealing with Steve Parish will be quite the opposite. 

Hand of Arsenal note that it’s ‘well known’ in the industry that Parish is ‘honourable and straightforward’ when it comes to exits at Selhurst Park.

Parish knows he could reuse the money made on Eze to re-invest in the club, with the situation described as a deal that’s ‘there to be done’.

With Eze sold on a move and Arteta desperate to get a deal over the line, it will be fascinating to see what steps Berta takes next.