Gyokeres starts, Cunha decision – Arsenal dream XI after £161m Andrea Berta summer transfers

Andrea Berta’s mission at Arsenal is as ambitious as it is demanding. With the Gunners pushing to finally reclaim their place at the summit of English football, the club has entrusted Berta with a significant task: refining an already formidable squad into a title-winning machine. The challenge is immense, but so is the opportunity.

Arsenal’s squad has evolved dramatically under Mikel Arteta, transforming from an eighth-placed side to consistent challengers at the top. However, the final step—the one that separates contenders from champions—is often the hardest to take. Berta’s role will be to ensure that Arsenal’s transfer strategy is laser-focused on addressing key areas, ensuring no stone is left unturned in pursuit of success.

One of the most pressing concerns remains the striker position. Kai Havertz has adapted well to a hybrid forward role, but Arsenal’s lack of a clinical number nine has been evident. This is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in. The Sporting CP forward has been on the club’s radar for some time, and with his lethal finishing and physical presence, he could be the missing piece in Arteta’s attacking puzzle.

A move for Gyokeres would not come cheap, with Sporting demanding a fee in the region of £85 million. However, Arsenal have proven they are willing to invest heavily when necessary, as seen in last summer’s acquisition of Declan Rice. Gyokeres’ arrival would add a new dimension to the frontline, allowing Arsenal to vary their attacking approach and reduce the burden on Gabriel Jesus and Havertz.

The second major issue Berta must address is the need for additional firepower on the wings. Bukayo Saka has been exceptional, but Arsenal’s reliance on him is a concern. To mount a serious title challenge, the Gunners need more depth in wide areas. This is where Matheus Cunha comes into the picture. The Wolves forward has impressed with his dribbling, creativity, and versatility, making him a strong candidate to share the attacking workload.

Cunha’s adaptability means he could provide cover both as a winger and as a secondary striker. With Wolves likely to demand around £40 million for his services, Arsenal will need to weigh up whether his signing represents the best value for money. However, given his Premier League experience and ability to fit seamlessly into Arteta’s tactical setup, he could prove to be a smart investment.

Midfield is another area where changes are expected. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both likely to leave, Arsenal must reinforce their central options. Declan Rice has excelled since his arrival, but he needs a reliable partner. Martin Zubimendi remains a strong target, with the Real Sociedad star seen as the ideal long-term replacement for Partey. His intelligence, composure on the ball, and defensive awareness make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system.

The price tag for Zubimendi is set at around £50 million, and Arsenal will need to fend off competition from other European giants. However, securing his services would provide the midfield with balance and stability, allowing Rice to operate with greater freedom. Alongside Martin Odegaard, Zubimendi could form one of the most complete midfield trios in the Premier League.

Beyond the first-choice XI, squad depth remains crucial. Arsenal’s ambitions extend beyond domestic success; they aim to compete on all fronts, including the Champions League. To do so, strengthening the bench is imperative. Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson have struggled for consistency, meaning additional reinforcements might be necessary.

Another key decision for Berta will be the future of Kieran Tierney. The Scottish left-back has spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad, and with Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for defensive solidity, there is a case for bringing Tierney back into the fold. However, if Arsenal opt to cash in, reinvesting in a more defensively sound left-back could be on the agenda.

In goal, David Raya’s loan move is expected to be made permanent, leaving Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain. While Ramsdale has been a key figure in Arsenal’s recent resurgence, Arteta’s preference for Raya suggests he may seek a new challenge. If Ramsdale departs, Arsenal will need a reliable backup goalkeeper to maintain competition.

Defensively, the centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remains one of the strongest in the league. However, depth in this department is always beneficial, especially with Arsenal’s injury history. Jakub Kiwior has shown promise, but another experienced defender could add much-needed security.

With a potential budget of £161 million, Berta has the resources to make transformative changes. The priority signings of Gyokeres, Cunha, and Zubimendi could elevate Arsenal to the next level, giving them the best possible chance to dethrone Manchester City. The summer window will be decisive, and every move must be meticulously planned to ensure Arsenal continue their upward trajectory.

Arteta has built a team that is tantalizingly close to greatness. Now, with Berta’s expertise in squad-building, Arsenal must take that final leap. If they get their transfers right, the dream XI could finally become a reality—one capable of delivering silverware and restoring Arsenal to the pinnacle of English football.