HERE WE GO! Arsenal reached agreement with long-term transfer target as the superstar arrived on a five-years transfer deal
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has placed a marquee forward at the “top” of his transfer target list ahead of the summer window, and the Gunners have responded by opening talks between all parties.
Arteta makes “clear” Arsenal transfer claim
Speaking ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Southampton on Sunday, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s recruitment drive, Berta’s crucial role and the type of player he wants to see his club try and go for.
Kai Havertz has returned to action already, after coming back from what was initially thought to be a season-ending hamstring injury blow, making his first appearance since February during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
The German, who’s still managed to score 15 goals in all competitions in spite of his injury woes, also looks physically transformed after months of work in the gym.
However, while Havertz’s return ahead of next season comes as a boost for Arteta, he sent a “clear” message to the Gunners hierarchy that more firepower is required if they’re to mount a more successful title challenge.
“What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat, we need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow,” said Arteta in a pre-match press conference.
“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
Arteta was also asked about their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, following recent reports he could well join Arsenal.
The 43-year-old didn’t get drawn in to named targets, but categorically refused to rule out a move for the Brazil international either, who’s bagged 13 goals and a further 10 assists from the right-wing, left-wing and at centre-forward this term.
Rodrygo “top” of Berta list with Arsenal talks opened
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of Arsenal working on a deal for Rodryho behind-the-scenes earlier this week, and that same reporter has now provided a further update.
Plettenberg reports that Rodrygo is actually at the “very top” of Berta’s transfer list at Arsenal too, and negotiations have begun at all avenues, presumably meaning that they’re in talks with both the £202,000-per-week forward and Real.
Arsenal are not without competition in the race for him, though, with Chelsea also reportedly holding talks with Rodrygo’s representatives ahead of the mini-transfer window from June 1 to June 10 – which would allow them to sign him before the Club World Cup.
