OFFICIAL: Andrea Berta Wants to Sign Bruno Guimarães and Martin Zubimendi as His First Decision as Arsenal Sporting Director

Andrea Berta is wasting no time in shaping Arsenal’s future, with the newly appointed sporting director setting his sights on two high-profile midfield signings. The Italian, known for his exceptional talent-spotting at Atletico Madrid, has identified Bruno Guimarães and Martin Zubimendi as key targets as he begins his tenure in North London.

Berta’s interest in Guimarães comes as Newcastle United face an uncertain future regarding their Champions League aspirations. Reports indicate that the Magpies have an agreement in place to allow the Brazilian midfielder to leave for around £60 million if they fail to secure a top-four finish this season. With Newcastle currently in a tight battle for European qualification, Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation.

Guimarães has been a standout performer since his arrival at St. James’ Park from Lyon in 2022. The 26-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders, combining defensive resilience with creative playmaking. His vision, passing ability, and tenacity make him an ideal candidate for Arsenal’s midfield, which has been searching for stability and quality.

Alongside Guimarães, Berta is also keen on securing Martin Zubimendi, the highly-rated Real Sociedad midfielder. The Spaniard has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League, with several top clubs, including Barcelona, previously showing interest in his services. However, Arsenal are now emerging as serious contenders for his signature.

Zubimendi, known for his exceptional composure on the ball and defensive awareness, could bring a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game and provide defensive cover would complement the dynamic style Mikel Arteta has been trying to implement at the Emirates.

Berta’s arrival at Arsenal signals a new era for the club, with his track record of securing top talents playing a crucial role in Atletico Madrid’s successes. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad depth, particularly in midfield, to compete both domestically and in Europe.

Arsenal’s ambitions have grown significantly under Arteta, with the club now considered a genuine title contender. However, the lack of squad depth has often hindered their ability to maintain consistency over a full season. The potential acquisitions of Guimarães and Zubimendi would go a long way in addressing these concerns.

Newcastle’s financial situation may also play a role in determining Guimarães’ future. With Financial Fair Play regulations in mind, the Magpies might be forced to make sales in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal’s proactive approach could see them take advantage of this situation and secure a deal at a reasonable price.

Meanwhile, convincing Real Sociedad to part ways with Zubimendi may prove more challenging. The Spanish midfielder has a release clause in his contract, reportedly set at €60 million, and Sociedad have been reluctant to negotiate below that figure. Arsenal’s pursuit will likely depend on their willingness to trigger the clause or find a compromise with the La Liga side.

Both Guimarães and Zubimendi offer different but complementary skill sets, and landing both would be a significant statement of intent from Arsenal. Their arrivals would not only bolster the squad but also provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility.

Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Berta navigates his first transfer window, as the Gunners continue to push for dominance in English and European football. His ability to secure top targets quickly and efficiently will be crucial in ensuring Arsenal remain competitive at the highest level.

With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Arsenal and how they proceed with their pursuit of Guimarães and Zubimendi. If successful, these signings could be the foundation of a midfield that helps the Gunners challenge for major honors in the years to come.

Berta’s first moves as sporting director will undoubtedly shape the club’s trajectory, and his decision to target two elite midfielders indicates a clear vision for Arsenal’s future. Now, the club must act decisively to bring these plans to fruition and take a step closer to achieving their long-term ambitions.