Andrea Berta has already passed his first Arsenal transfer test as Mikel Arteta dreams realised

There has been a swell of expectation around Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta ahead of his first summer transfer window as the spearhead of the club’s recruitment plan.Replacing Edu Gaspar, the individual who helped build the Mikel Arteta side that has taken the club back into title relevancy and the latter stages of the Champions League for the first time in around two decades is a tough ask.

Edu had his flaws too and Berta will be judged not in two or three years, but after just a few months. There would be no free hit, no adjustment period and no leeway for the Italian.

After 12 years of experience at Atletico Madrid and coming to Arsenal at a time where the summer window is the most important in perhaps the club's history, there can be little to no mistakes. Fortunately, before the first month of the window is even over, the signs are positive.

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Three players are set to sign, filling three major squad necessities without overspending or compromising. Martin Zubimendi was a player that the club under Edu and subsequently under his interim replacement, Jason Ayto, had already been working on.

Berta came in and tied a bow on the move, but he still needed to overcome some late pressure from Real Madrid that proved too late to make a difference. A backup goalkeeper was needed, and instead of spending £20million-plus like Arsenal nearly did on Joan Garcia in 2024, a solution was found in the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga for his £5million release clause.

A keeper with Premier League and Champions League experience who is happy to fight for a place in the team but expected to be a very comfortable number two to David Raya. Funds saved that can be redirected to more pertinent roles.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho's double exit was not the intended plan, but sometimes plans have to change. After they did, Mikel Arteta's desire to find an experienced Premier League candidate has been fulfilled exceptionally swiftly. The club are due to complete a deal for Christian Norgaard at a very attractive price of just over £10million.

Accusations that Arsenal are slow in the market are quickly being disproven by Berta, with more expected. His holistic approach to discussions for targets means the club remain well-placed in negotiations for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.