Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly expressed satisfaction over the club’s decision to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of pursuing a £22 million deal for Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, according to The Athletic. The Gunners had initially shown interest in Garcia, but when the young Spaniard opted to join Barcelona, Berta was “happy” to pivot toward a more experienced option in Kepa—secured from Chelsea for just £5 million.
🧤 A Calculated Shift in Goalkeeping Strategy
Berta, who joined Arsenal’s backroom team last year, was said to be “wary” of sanctioning a €25 million move for Garcia, citing concerns over the goalkeeper’s readiness for Premier League demands. Kepa’s availability, combined with his top-flight experience and modest release clause, made him a more appealing option in Berta’s eyes.
The decision reflects Berta’s broader recruitment philosophy: prioritizing proven, “oven-ready” talent in key positions. That same logic reportedly influenced Arsenal’s move for Christian Nørgaard from Brentford, with Berta pushing for the 31-year-old as a replacement for Thomas Partey over younger, less-tested alternatives like Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume.
🔁 Arsenal’s Summer Overhaul
Kepa was one of eight new arrivals at the Emirates this summer, as the club backed Mikel Arteta with a £250 million spending spree aimed at ending a 22-year Premier League title drought. Alongside Kepa and Nørgaard, Arsenal added Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, and Piero Hincapie.
The squad overhaul has raised expectations, especially after Arsenal finished runners-up in each of the last three seasons. However, the Gunners suffered their first defeat of the new campaign last weekend, falling 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield courtesy of a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick.
🧠 Berta’s Influence Growing
While criticism mounts over Arsenal’s on-pitch identity, Berta’s influence behind the scenes continues to shape the club’s long-term strategy. His preference for experience and value-driven signings has already impacted key decisions, and his measured approach may prove vital as the Gunners aim to balance ambition with sustainability.
With the season still young and a revamped squad settling in, Arsenal fans will be hoping Berta’s calculated moves—like the Kepa deal—pay dividends in the months ahead.