Arsenal pursue six summer transfers as Andrea Berta advances negotiations
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is actively working on six potential transfers this summer as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their squad following their recent Champions League final defeat.
The North London club have so far only completed the £42.5m permanent signing of loanee Piero Hincapie.
However, recruitment activity is expected to accelerate significantly throughout July.
A delayed end to the season and the ongoing World Cup have contributed to a relatively quiet start in the market for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Negotiations advance for key targets
The current recruitment drive is being spearheaded by Berta alongside head of scouting Maurizio Micheli.
The sporting director has a well-established precedent for conducting multiple complex negotiations simultaneously.
The club have reportedly submitted a formal bid for midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Discussions are also taking place regarding a move for forward Morgan Rogers.
Strengthening the title-winning squad
Arsenal are preparing to test the resolve of Paris St-Germain for highly-rated winger Bradley Barcola.
Enquiries have been made for Alex Scott, while talks have also been held with representatives for Kerim Alajbegovic.
Furthermore, Greek international Christos Tzolis has been offered to the club and remains a genuine target.
The Spanish manager is understood to be targeting four additions to bolster his squad ahead of their domestic title defence.
Adding depth across the pitch
Additions in central midfield could provide critical alternatives to Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Martin Zubimendi increasingly found his minutes limited under the manager during the closing months of last season.
Barcola or Rogers would represent marquee additions to the attacking line, whereas Alajbegovic and Tzolis are viewed as more cost-effective wide options.
Arteta demands next-level progression
The Arsenal boss has openly challenged the hierarchy to push even harder following their European heartbreak.
“We will start the process to review what we’ve done,” the manager said.
“If you want to reach another level, we’re going to have to…”