‘My mouth is zipped’ – Premier League star Mikel Arteta wanted to sign now makes subtle Arsenal transfer hint

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The summer transfer window could be make or break for Mikel Arteta, with pressure on Arsenal to recruit sufficiently.

With Andrea Berta set to become Arsenal’s sporting director, the Gunners have already received a boost ahead of the summer. 

Preparation for the 2024/25 campaign was not where it needed to be, leaving Arteta with limited resources throughout the season, which subsequently ended Arsenal’s title hopes. 

Arsenal were linked to several targets in January but no player was signed, with all eyes now on the summer as the need to recruit a forward could not be greater. 

• READ MORE: 12 players with Premier League ties Andrea Berta signed – including one who rattled Arsenal

Arsenal transfer target Antoine Semenyo makes Arsenal admission 

Berta has signed some impressive strikers over the years at Atletico Madrid, giving Arsenal fans hope that the pending sporting director can have a similar impact in North London. 

During his time at Arsenal, Edu left a transfer shortlist of players that could bolster Arteta’s squad, something Berta could take inspiration from. 

Within the list were some Premier League names, with a host of stars being linked to the Gunners in the winter.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo was of interest to Arsenal, which is particularly interesting given what the forward has just admitted. 

In an interview with Bleacher Report Football, Semenyo hinted at his love for the Gunners, refusing to open up about his feelings for the club. 

First, the winger was asked what the toughest defence to play against in the league is, to which he responded, “I’d say Arsenal, it’s a tough back line to play against.”

Journalist Miles Addy then quizzed the Ghanaian on his favourite ground to play at.

“Emirates,” Semenyo said whilst trying to cover a grin.

Addy replied, “For the reasons of them [Arsenal] being a difficult team or other reasons?”

“Other reasons,” Semenyo said, insisting that his ‘mouth is zipped’ regarding his soft spot for Arsenal.

“I’m not going to go into that, I’m not gonna go into that. Listen, you’re not going to hear anything from me, my mouth is zipped.”

How much Arsenal would have to pay to sign Semenyo

The Bournemouth superstar’s admission suggested that he’s a fan of the Gunners, which in turn, could be considered a transfer hint.

Players dream of representing their boyhood club, which for Semenyo, could be Arsenal. 

The forward could be in luck, as the North Londoners are reported to be admirers of the 25-year-old’s ability.

In January, Arsenal learned Semenyo’s asking price at Bournemouth, with the Cherries quoting a fee in the region of £50m for their star player. 

It will be interesting to see if Berta picks up the baton regarding interest in Semenyo in the summer, in what would be a fascinating transfer narrative to track given the player’s feelings about Arsenal.