Arsenal Embark on Bold Summer Overhaul Under New Sporting Director Andrea Berta
With the Premier League season now behind them, Arsenal face the reality of yet another near-miss in the title race. While the Gunners finished as runners-up once again, the focus has already shifted firmly to rebuilding for the future. Enter Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, who has wasted no time setting the tone for a transformative summer.
Known for his assertive and aggressive transfer policies at Atlético Madrid, Berta has quickly made his mark at Arsenal. Sources close to the club reveal that five senior first-team players have been placed on the transfer list as part of a sweeping summer clearout aimed at ushering in a fresh era under manager Mikel Arteta.
This decisive move, though bold, is widely anticipated. Despite progress, Arsenal’s campaign exposed critical weaknesses — notably a lack of depth and firepower when it mattered most. For the first time in over a century, not a single Arsenal player reached double figures in Premier League goals during the season. Injuries played a part, but questionable recruitment decisions over the last 18 months largely contributed to this shortfall.
Now, Berta’s mission is clear: overhaul the squad and inject much-needed quality and dynamism. Those reportedly on the way out include Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard, and Emile Smith Rowe. Smith Rowe’s future has been the subject of intense speculation due to limited playing time under Arteta.
Tierney, who was on loan this season, scored in his final match and is almost certain to make his exit permanent. Partey and Jorginho, both nearing the end of their contracts and past their peak, are also expected to leave. Meanwhile, Trossard—who has attracted interest from Saudi clubs—may be sold to pave the way for younger, more dynamic attackers.
But Arsenal’s summer strategy isn’t just about departures. Berta has identified four high-profile targets to spearhead the rebuild. Leading the list is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish international has been sensational in Portugal and is seen as the ideal candidate to spearhead Arsenal’s attack.
Another coveted prospect is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško—a powerful forward with the technical skills to thrive in the Premier League. Both players have release clauses, meaning Arsenal must act quickly to secure their signatures amid competition.
On the wings, two big names have surfaced: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão. Rodrygo, who has netted 50 goals over the past two seasons, is reportedly a key target, with Arteta a known admirer. The Brazilian is believed to be open to a move where he can become the focal point of the attack.
Leão, meanwhile, has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry thanks to his electrifying performances on the left flank. Arsenal’s interest in Leão has intensified recently, with reports from French outlet Foot Mercato revealing that Berta even spoke directly with the player to express the club’s strong desire to sign him.
Leão’s hefty £145 million release clause presents a significant challenge, but Arsenal may seek to negotiate a lower fee or propose a structured payment plan. With multiple squad areas needing reinforcement, the Gunners will need to be shrewd with their spending.
Before the season’s final game, Arteta was asked about the possibility of signing a player like Rodrygo. His response was telling: “If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players.”
Berta’s approach clearly aligns with that mindset. Known for making bold moves, he is prepared to aggressively reshape Arsenal’s squad this summer. With Champions League football secured, there is a renewed sense of urgency to build a team capable of challenging for the top honors.
While the departure of familiar faces may unsettle some fans, many agree that significant change is overdue. Arsenal have come close but to dethrone Manchester City, they need more quality in crucial positions and greater squad depth.
It’s now evident that Berta will not hesitate to make tough calls—whether cutting ties with veterans or pursuing elite talents across Europe. His influence is set to define the future of this Arsenal side.
Although the summer transfer window has yet to officially open, Arsenal’s transformation is already underway. Fans can expect a summer filled with major headlines, intense negotiations, and hopefully, signings that propel the Gunners from title challengers to champions.
One thing is certain—under Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s transfer window promises to be anything but quiet.
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