Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee striker has hit a snag, with Andrea Berta’s strained relationship with the agent of their top target forcing the Gunners to pivot to alternative options in a summer transfer window that promised to be transformative.
Under the combined leadership of Berta and Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is determined to strengthen their squad significantly. While Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million move from Chelsea has been the only confirmed deal so far, the club is on the verge of announcing Martin Zubimendi and finalizing Christian Norgaard’s transfer from Brentford. But it’s the striker dilemma that’s stealing the headlines.
The Gunners have been eyeing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, but their £70 million price tags have caused hesitation. Gyokeres, however, appears to be edging closer to a move, with reports of a five-year deal already in place. Meanwhile, Sesko’s chances of joining Arsenal have dwindled due to a breakdown in negotiations with his agent, Elvis Basanovic, who previously enjoyed a strong rapport with former Arsenal directors Edu and Jason Ayto.
Despite Berta’s attempts to rebuild bridges, including inviting Basanovic to Arsenal’s final home game of the season, talks have reached an impasse. This has led the club to explore other options, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who remains on their radar after a rejected £40 million bid in January.
Berta’s belief in Gyokeres as an immediate impact player has seemingly pushed the Swede to the forefront of Arsenal’s plans. But with Watkins also in the mix and Manchester United lurking, the Gunners are ensuring they don’t put all their eggs in one basket.
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