Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is thought to be on the verge of yet another summer transfer deal, following what has been a hectic last few weeks.
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Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Spanish international duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi to N5, with the pair reinforcing his goalkeeping department and engine room, while former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has also been announced as Thomas Partey’s replacement.
This trio of signings has set Arsenal back around £75 million, not including add-ons, but Berta is poised to splash even more cash in the slow build up to deadline day on September 1.
|
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) |
Money on new signings |
|---|---|
|
19/20 – winter |
£0 |
|
20/21 – summer |
£81.5m |
|
20/21 – winter |
£900k |
|
21/22 – summer |
£156.8m |
|
21/22 – winter |
£1.8m |
|
22/23 – summer |
£121.5m |
|
22/23 – winter |
£59m |
|
23/24 – summer |
£208m |
|
23/24 – winter |
£0 |
|
24/25 – summer |
£101.5m |
|
24/25 – winter |
£0 |
|
25/26 – summer |
£75m |
Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific hitman has now gone on to strike. He’s actively refusing to return for pre-season training as Gyokeres attempts to force through a move to the Emirates, but the two sides are currently still apart in valuation.
Arsenal are also still in pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. The England international won’t be leaving Palace for less than his £68 million release clause, according to reports, with the Eagles determined to hold out for his full asking price, even if Arsenal have held positive discussions with Eze’s camp (ESPN).
However, while Berta is no closer to striking a potential deal for the 27-year-old as things stand, he is about to make his fourth signing of the summer through another London-based attacker – Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
News emerged on Thursday evening that Arsenal have reached a full agreement to sign Madueke for around £50 million, including add-ons, and Enzo Maresca has since confirmed that the 23-year-old is leaving Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke set for imminent Arsenal medical with agreement sealed
Sharing a further update on the situation, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Madueke is set to undergo his Arsenal medical this weekend – so it won’t be long before he’s announced as a new Gunners player.
Given their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is now unlikely to join the club, some Arsenal supporters are dissatisfied with Berta’s decision to go for Madueke instead – especially considering he performed much better on the right-hand side for Chelsea last term as opposed to the left.
According to a poll conducted by Sky Sports, out of 35,000 fans, 70 per cent of them feel that Madueke would be a bad signing for Arteta – but there is reason to believe he could eventually thrive at Arsenal.
Madueke has been revered for his strength and burst of pace by members of the media, with his ability to play on either flank also proving useful. The former PSV Eindhoven star is also still young with plenty of Premier League experience already, and has the potential to get even better under Arteta’s guidance.
