As Arsenal football club approaches a pivotal summer transfer window, a crucial shift is underway with the anticipated appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director. Mikel Merino, a Spanish international who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer, has expressed his thoughts on Berta's possibility of joining in light of recent developments regarding his own role within the team.
In an exclusive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on March 20, 2025, Merino shared his perspective on Berta's rumored arrival, stating, “I don’t know if it’s official; anyway, I don’t know anything,” regarding the change. His candidness reflects both uncertainty and a lighthearted take on the situation, humorously adding, “But I do know one thing: I’ll ask for a striker’s contract. They earn more, and now I have to cover two roles too!” This statement underscores Merino’s adaptability as he fills in as a makeshift striker due to significant injuries within the squad.
Merino's first season at Arsenal has been marked by notable performances, contributing six goals in 33 matches. His role has shifted dramatically, with him playing as a forward, especially evident from his game where he scored the decisive goal against Chelsea on March 14, 2025. He also shone with a brace in a recent match against Leicester City, alongside his contributions to a commanding 7-1 victory over PSV in the Champions League. This adaptability and offensive output have made him an integral part of manager Mikel Arteta's squad as they navigate a challenging season.
As Arsenal positions itself for significant changes, the club's focus is also on strengthening its attack during the upcoming transfer window. The report hints at potential targets, including Alexander Isak and Ollie Watkins, indicating a clear direction for where the Gunners might invest their resources. Moreover, the possibility of bringing in fresh faces also reflects the club's ambition to rejuvenate its squad amidst the challenges of the current season.
While the club is set to announce the new sporting director soon, as Ben Jacobs mentioned, Berta comes with a hefty responsibility to reshape the club's ambitions. The reported budget of £300 million for the summer will enable Berta to make a significant impact, as he is expected to immediately pursue key players like Matheus Cunha and Bruno Guimaraes, as well as others from his former club, Atletico Madrid.
In recent discussions, there has also been mention of an interest in players like Rafael Leao and Takefusa Kubo, demonstrating that Arsenal is actively scouring the market for potential attacking reinforcements. However, the club appears to be backing away from acquiring Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, primarily due to the growing interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, as outlined by Jacobs. Instead, Arsenal will likely focus on reliable targets with proven statistics, as they continue to seek a centre-forward that can complement and enhance their attacking play.
The role of the new sporting director will not just include signing new players but also extending contracts for existing stars like Gabriel Magalhaes, who is currently in talks for an extension. Andrea Berta's operational insight during his time will be crucial as Arsenal looks to both solidify and strengthen its position for next season.
As the transfer stories and discussions swirl, one thing remains clear: Arsenal's future is on the precipice of transformation with Andrea Berta hopefully steering them towards a new era of competitiveness. This potential reshuffling, coupled with Merino's ongoing contributions, paints a picture of a team ready to rebound from its recent struggles.
With the Premier League title race coming to a close, the urgency for Arsenal to act decisively in the transfer market has never been greater. Expectations are high as fans hope for a summer that will not only witness organizational change but also elevate the team's status within English football. Should Berta successfully weave his vision into the fabric of this historic club, the Gunners could very well be on the path to reclaiming their place among the elite.
