Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal isn’t slowing down, even as the current campaign teeters on the edge of disappointment. Despite their title chances fading fast thanks to Liverpool’s relentless form, there’s a growing buzz in North London. That energy’s coming from Andrea Berta, the new sporting director with a flair for turning teams into champions — a reputation earned at Atletico Madrid and now aimed squarely at Arsenal’s future.
Since Berta landed, the transfer winds have begun to swirl with purpose. No longer content with just holding onto promise, Arsenal’s recruitment has taken on a sharper edge, more daring, more ambitious. Arteta, ever the tactician, is still chasing Champions League silverware, but with Berta’s influence, a new vision for 2025-26 is forming — one that’s more than just a fantasy on paper.
With Arsenal likely settling for second place in the league, eyes are turning toward a pivotal summer. A showdown with Real Madrid looms in the Champions League, but whatever happens on the European stage, Berta’s not waiting around. He’s lining up three major signings, each aimed at turning Arsenal’s “nearly” moments into silver-plated success.
Top of that wishlist? Nico Williams, the lightning-fast winger lighting up La Liga and Euro 2024. Arsenal’s pursuit of the Spaniard is no rumor mill fluff — talks with his agent are already underway. His profile is exactly what the team missed last year: raw pace, direct dribbling, and an attacking edge that could stretch defenses and unlock tight games — an overdue answer to their lack of a proper wide threat.
But Williams is just the opening act. In midfield, Arsenal are eyeing Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad — a maestro long admired for his calm under pressure and passing precision. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho heading out the door, Zubimendi feels like the perfect piece to balance Arsenal’s evolving engine room. Picture him as the anchor, with Rice driving the press and Odegaard weaving the magic. It’s a trio that whispers of trophies.
Then there’s Riccardo Calafiori, the versatile defender with dreams of becoming a midfield pivot. Injured now, but ambitious still, he’s spoken of learning a new role — a trait that fits right into Arteta’s gospel of adaptability. Arsenal want players who can morph, adjust, surprise — chess pieces, not checkers.
Defensively, things are looking sharp. Saliba and Gabriel remain a brick wall at the back, while Timber’s return and the rise of academy gem Myles Lewis-Skelly keep the full-back options fresh. Raya has cemented his spot between the posts, silencing doubters with sharp saves and smart play. Ramsdale may be on his way out, but stability in goal is no longer in question.
Up top, all eyes are on Viktor Gyökeres, the Sporting CP striker turning heads with his ruthless goal record. Arsenal see him as the answer to their number nine dilemma, possibly edging out pricier options like Isak or Vlahovic. If Gyökeres arrives, linking up with Saka and Williams, Arsenal’s front three could be absolutely lethal — a blend of pace, power, and panache.
Of course, that puts players like Kai Havertz in a strange spot. He’s flashed quality but hasn’t quite stuck the landing. Maybe a deeper midfield role awaits him — part eight, part shadow striker — offering Arteta more tactical fluidity. But right now, all roads point toward a reset with purpose. With Berta at the helm and Arteta’s vision still intact, Arsenal aren’t just dreaming. They’re building. The 2025-26 season could be the moment the Gunners stop aiming and finally strike gold.
Leave a Reply