Arsenal are set for change on and off the field this summer as Andrea Berta settles into his new Sporting Director role at the Emirates Stadium, and the 53-year-old may already have identified one of his key targets.
Arsenal's summer transfer priorities begin to emerge
The Gunners know that their Premier League title challenge is now a thing of the past. Still, Mikel Arteta can carry plenty of optimism towards the future judging by the level of talent coming through the ranks at London Colney.
However, the Spaniard will be under no illusions that signings are necessary this summer to ensure his side remain among the chasing pack next term and he will be backed financially to carry out his mission.
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Following Berta’s arrival, Arteta is set to be given a war chest of £300 million to spend. Left-back, central midfield, and the wide areas are all set to receive investment alongside the goalkeeping department.
Heightening excitement ahead of the Gunners’ recruitment shake-up, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi have been earmarked as two high-profile Arsenal targets this summer. Nevertheless, whether FFP regulations will allow the Londoners to pull off two potential game-changing moves in the engine room remains to be seen.
While statement signings appear to be on the agenda, identifying bargain deals is also an area that Berta will be expected to excel in. His pursuit of Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich offered a clue regarding the value for money he is looking to find amid the renowned star’s availability earlier this year on a free transfer, even if the Germany international has since penned an extension at the Allianz Arena.
Continuing down that road, Arsenal’s new chief could explore an alternative market to bring the Gunners some bang for their buck this summer.
Arsenal could take advantage of Omar El Hilali release clause
According to The Sun, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Espanyol star Omar El Hilali and Berta could look to activate his £12.5 million release clause this summer.
Now a ‘genuine’ target, the Morocco international’s availability for such a cheap fee is something of an anomaly when evaluating his potential. Undoubtedly, Arteta has an abundance of defenders at his disposal, but some cover at right-back wouldn’t go amiss amid Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury problems.
Omar El Hilali statistics in 2024/25 – La Liga
Appearances
26
Goals
0
Assists
2
Tackles won
63 (69%)
Duels won
150
Recoveries
97
Arsenal are believed to be running the rule over the defender as their summer planning begins to take shape. Labelled an “excellent dueller & 1v1 defender” by Ben Mattinson, there has been no shortage of interest in his services over the last few windows.
El Hilali has previously been targeted by Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton, so Arsenal may need to act swiftly to secure his signature before rival suitors emerge.
Crucially, Berta has extensive links with the Spanish top-flight due to his time at Atletico Madrid, which could give Arteta’s side the edge if any approach materlialises from their initial admiration of the Barcelona-born star.
