Zubimendi Joins Arsenal While Berta Targets New Striker and Key Renewals | OneFootball

Berta’s Arsenal Blueprint Begins with Zubimendi Coup

Midfield Reinvention with Zubimendi Signing

The wheels are already turning at Arsenal, and in trademark fashion, the early groundwork is being laid for what promises to be a defining summer. TBR Football confirm “Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Zubimendi”—a significant breakthrough after the club’s long-standing admiration for the Spaniard.

Zubimendi had been resistant to leaving Real Sociedad in the past, but now, perhaps swayed by Arsenal’s clear upward trajectory and Andrea Berta’s powers of persuasion, he’s set to land in London. In truth, this feels like more than just another transfer—it’s a signal of intent. A composed, intelligent operator in the middle of the park, Zubimendi has the potential to bring calm to chaos and structure to Arsenal’s more expansive moments.

Berta Wastes No Time in Reshaping Arsenal

Andrea Berta, the newly appointed sporting director, appears to have wasted no time getting his fingerprints all over Arsenal’s recruitment drive. TBR reports that “Berta accelerated talks with Real Sociedad in recent weeks”—a telling insight into his efficient style.

Yet the Italian is far from done. He’s now focused on bolstering Arsenal’s frontline. According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey: “Berta is busy on incomings. There is no disputing that a new number nine is where most of his time is being spent.” The targets? “Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko, but that still isn’t certain.”

Photo: IMAGO

Striker Search and Contract Conundrums

While fans clamour for new names, Berta’s mission isn’t solely about signing fresh faces. As Bailey adds: “Berta is also working hard on new deals for his own players.” Specifically, extensions for three key figures: “William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes.”

As TBR notes, multiple Arsenal players will enter the final two years of their contracts this summer. Berta, therefore, must balance ambition with retention—keeping the core intact while building beyond it.

Foundations for a Long-Term Arsenal Project

What’s evident is Berta isn’t operating with a short-term lens. His efforts suggest a blueprint: secure top targets like Zubimendi, strengthen the spine with a proven striker, and tie down essential players. The aim is a sustainable push for titles, not just a one-off tilt.

In a window not yet open, Arsenal’s summer has already started with purpose.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal supporters, this is exactly the kind of strategic ambition that’s been craved since Arsène Wenger’s final years. Landing Martin Zubimendi, a player who could easily slot into many Champions League midfields, is a statement move—and an answer to critics who claim Arsenal lack bite in midfield during crunch moments.

Andrea Berta’s fingerprints are already visible. His swift handling of negotiations with Real Sociedad suggests he has the authority and efficiency needed at a club striving to return to elite status. And it’s not just about Zubimendi. The potential arrivals of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko indicate that Arsenal are targeting not just ability, but profile—youth, physical presence, and finishing instinct.

Equally, fans will be relieved to hear that key contract renewals are being prioritised. Losing talents like Saliba or Saka would be devastating; keeping them represents the foundation of a title-winning side. As Bailey rightly points out, “talks have taken place with all three camps.”

From a Liverpool perspective, watching Arsenal operate this sharply under Berta is slightly concerning. As Arne Slot begins his Anfield project, he’ll know rivals are arming themselves with not just players, but the kind of sporting leadership that shapes modern dynasties.