Arsenal’s £137m Missed Trio: Arteta’s Targets Rejected as Berta Shapes New Era

Arsenal’s summer transfer window was one of the most aggressive in recent memory, with over £250 million spent to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad. Yet behind the scenes, a quiet tug-of-war unfolded between the manager and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta — one that saw Arteta’s preferred trio of targets passed over in favour of Berta’s own vision.

🔄 Arteta’s Wishlist vs. Berta’s Blueprint

According to reports from The Athletic and journalist James McNicholas, Arteta had earmarked three players he believed could elevate Arsenal’s squad: Bryan Mbeumo, Dean Huijsen, and Joan Garcia. Together, the trio would have cost the club around £137 million.

• Bryan Mbeumo: The Brentford forward was a long-standing target and eventually joined Manchester United for £65 million.
• Dean Huijsen: The highly rated Dutch centre-back was snapped up by Real Madrid after they triggered his £50 million release clause.
• Joan Garcia: The Espanyol goalkeeper was available for £21.5 million, but Berta opted for a more economical solution in Kepa Arrizabalaga, signed for just £5 million.

While Arteta was keen to bring in these players, Berta — who replaced Edu Gaspar in March — had other ideas. His preference for value-driven deals and immediate impact players led to a different recruitment strategy.

⚽ Gyökeres Over Sesko: A Strategic Pivot

One of the most notable disagreements came over Arsenal’s striker signing. Arteta had long pursued Benjamin Sesko, even making multiple approaches across two windows. But Berta intervened, steering the club toward Viktor Gyökeres — a prolific forward who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP.

The £55 million deal for Gyökeres was seen as a move for the present, prioritizing proven output over potential. Arteta later praised the striker, along with Eberechi Eze — another Berta-led signing — for their ability to “make the final action” and deliver “magic moments.”

“To finish with the ball in the back of the net… that’s what we need to win games,” Arteta said of the duo.

🧠 Berta’s Influence Grows

Despite the divergence in targets, Arteta appears to have embraced Berta’s approach. The sporting director’s first window saw the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie (on loan), and others — all part of a broader plan to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Berta’s decision to pass on Garcia, Huijsen, and Mbeumo may have raised eyebrows, but his ability to secure alternatives like Kepa and Hincapie at lower costs has earned him praise as a shrewd operator.

🔮 Looking Ahead

While Arsenal missed out on Arteta’s £137 million trio, the club’s summer business still positions them as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions. The manager and sporting director may not always see eye to eye, but their collaboration is beginning to bear fruit.

As the season unfolds, the true value of Berta’s decisions — and Arteta’s adaptability — will be tested. For now, Arsenal fans can take comfort in a squad that’s deeper, more dynamic, and ready to challenge once again.