Berta blow as £327k-per-week star rejects Arsenal offer and signs new deal

Arsenal made a concrete offer to one big-name star to join them this summer, following transfer talks with the player’s camp, but sporting director Andrea Berta has been dealt a serious blow in his pursuit of the Gunners target.

Andrea Berta praised amid Arsenal arrival

The 53-year-old, despite interest from Man United and PSG (Sky Sports), agreed to become Arsenal’s new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar – and he arrives at the Emirates with an absolutely glowing reputation.

Berta was responsible for orchestrating high-profile deals for the likes of João Félix and Diego Costa, whilst also signing future Balon d’Or winner Rodri for just £16.5 million from Villarreal in 2018.

The Italian has been a major part of Atlético’s success on the field over the last decade, prompting Arsenal to earmark him as a top target for the sporting director’s job after he left the Wanda Metropolitano in January.

“Andrea Berta arrives from Atletico Madrid with an exciting reputation for Arsenal supporters in the transfer market,” said Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith.

“He also has a ringing endorsement from those he has done deals with, praised for his meticulous approach but also the way he conducts business. The man who signed Rodri, Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak in bargain deals – and sold two of those three on at a substantial profit – will be expected to live up to that billing in north London.

“The pressure will be on to deliver a summer window which brings an out-and-out number nine and a midfield refresh to allow Mikel Arteta’s team to take the final step in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

“Edu, Berta’s predecessor, overhauled the club with Arteta during his five-year spell at the helm. Now, with a talented young squad, including a depth of defensive options, the finishing touches need to be applied to turn Arsenal into champions.”

Berta could also turn to the free agent market in search of options. It is reported that Arsenal are contenders to sign Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, and there was also serious interest in his teammate, Joshua Kimmich.

Arsenal make “formal” proposal to Joshua Kimmich after talks

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed last week that Arsenal were competing with PSG for the Germany international, as his Bayern contract was winding down at the time, and CaughtOffside shared a further update today.

The outlet reported that Arsenal made a “formal proposal” to Kimmich after contact with his representatives. Mikel Arteta‘s side, though, will now have to move on from the versatile Champions League winner.

The Bavarians have confirmed that Kimmich has put pen to paper on a contract extension until 2029which Plettenberg reports includes a salary rise to around £17 million-per-year, roughly around £327,000-per-week.

This comes as a slight blow for the Gunners, but they do have midfield alternatives, even if Kimmich has been lauded as a “phenomenal player” following his exploits in the Bundesliga.

“I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything,” said José Mourinho.

“I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there.

“I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player.”