In a significant shift for Arsenal Football Club, Andrea Berta is set to become the new sporting director following the departure of Edu Gaspar last November. The long-awaited announcement is expected during the ongoing international break in March 2025, and all eyes are focused on how Berta will reshape the squad ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.
Arsenal's challenges this season have been compounded by injuries and inconsistent performances, leading to an urgent need for a revamp of the current lineup. The Gunners have underperformed in their pursuit of the Premier League title, and with a mixed bag of talent and experience on their roster, tough decisions lie ahead.
One of the most notable moves in this restructuring process involves Kieran Tierney, who has signed a pre-contract with Celtic to make his return this summer. This decision reflects the team’s strategy to cut ties with certain players while rejuvenating their squad.
Among the players earmarked for potential exits, Oleksandr Zinchenko stands out. Having fallen below younger players in the pecking order, his impending exit from Arsenal seems likely. "He will know he can find regular first team football at a Champions League club, even if it’s not one challenging for the title," remarked a source close to the situation. Zinchenko enters the final year of his contract, emphasizing the necessity of parting ways for his future and the club's strategy.
Also on the potential departure list is Takehiro Tomiyasu. A fan favorite due to his versatility and skills, the Japanese international has struggled with injuries, and with other options becoming available, the best decision may be to move him on. His injury records greatly limit his contributions, marking a significant factor in Arsenal's reshaping process.
Jakub Kiwior is another player who appears to have no future at the club. Having fallen behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in the defensive line, Kiwior's exit is anticipated as the team seeks to solidify its backline. A decent fee could be demanded for Kiwior due to his age and potential, bolstering Arsenal's funds as Berta strategizes for new acquisitions.
Moreover, Thomas Partey and Jorginho, both of whom are over 30 and out of contract this summer, also find themselves on the chopping block. Despite having solid seasons, keeping aging players at high wages does not align with the club's vision moving forward. Reassessing long-term contracts welcomes significant changes that could reinvigorate the squad.
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, recognizes the dual importance of recruiting fresh talent while being ruthless in axing players who no longer fit into the title-challenging framework necessary for the club. Some players, including Karl Hein, out on loan to Valladolid, appear to have little future as Arsenal emphasizes developing players who will compete erectly for a starting position.
With sentimentality put aside, Arsenal's recent moves highlight a determination to enhance the team’s competitiveness. Players such as Reiss Nelson—currently on loan at Fulham—are also likely to be released, as Arteta seems to have moved on from relying on him. The challenge arises in determining which players can still be salvaged versus those that are expected to be let go.
In addition to those on loan, loan spells, and young talents like Fabio Vieira, who previously fetched Arsenal a hefty fee from Porto, signify that not all signs might point favorably going forward. Vieira's struggles since his transfer mean that his prospects are intertwined with new player acquisitions over the next windows.
As Arsenal bids farewell to players and welcomes new faces under Andrea Berta's leadership, fans and pundits alike will be closely observing the unfolding narrative. The club's future direction hinges partly on how effectively Berta navigates the complexities of the transfer market and what immediate changes he can implement within the existing squad.
With the upcoming international break serving as a pivotal time for negotiations and decisions, the Arsenal faithful can expect changes to reflect the club's ambitions. Berta's immediate task will be ensuring that the division between desired quality and reality is addressed—a challenge that ultimately shapes how Arsenal intends to capitalize on every opportunity presented in the forthcoming transfer periods.
