Mikel Arteta addresses transfer strategy amid reports of disagreement with Andrea Berta

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken openly about his working relationship with the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, amid speculation that the two may not see eye-to-eye on key summer transfer targets.

After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title for a third consecutive season, the Gunners are expected to be active in the upcoming transfer window. A new striker appears to be the top priority, particularly after Arsenal opted against signing a forward in January.

The club had previously pursued RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, who instead chose to extend his contract, while Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains a dream signing, though the Magpies’ likely Champions League qualification makes a deal difficult. Meanwhile, Berta, who joined Arsenal earlier this year as Edu’s replacement, is reportedly pushing for a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres.

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When asked about his dynamic with Berta ahead of Sunday’s match against Newcastle, Arteta praised the new director’s vision and drive.

“Very good,” Arteta said. “They’re two very different personalities, characters, and backgrounds. But he’s someone who’s very driven and very clear in his ideas, vision, and how we want to achieve it. He’s very supportive of everything that’s been done here, with a lot of people who have contributed massively to the position that we are today as a club.”

Pressed on whether they are fully aligned on transfer targets, Arteta admitted that plans don’t always go smoothly.

“On what we have to do, yes. On what we can do, I don’t know,” he said. “Sometimes the plan we had and what we’re able to execute don’t match exactly. That’s football—it happens to every club. The aim is clear, but you have to take it step by step.”

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Arteta also emphasised the importance of retaining current players, ensuring they feel valued and motivated to stay. When asked about the risks of disagreements in recruitment, he dismissed concerns, insisting communication between him and Berta is strong.

“If that happens, it means we haven’t explained ourselves well enough,” he said. “But I guarantee you that hasn’t happened. It didn’t in five-and-a-half years with Edu, and it won’t with Andrea.”

With the summer window approaching, Arsenal’s hierarchy will need to navigate the market carefully—whether pursuing top targets or adapting to unforeseen challenges. As Arteta put it: “Nobody’s got a crystal ball here!”

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