Arsenal’s £60 million summer acquisition of Martin Zubimendi may have fulfilled manager Mikel Arteta’s long-standing wish, but it appears the club’s sporting director Andrea Berta had other ideas for the midfield anchor role.
According to The Athletic, the framework for Zubimendi’s move from Real Sociedad was already in place before Berta officially began his tenure at the Emirates last year. While the deal was ultimately completed in July, sources suggest that had Berta been in position earlier, Arsenal’s midfield recruitment might have taken a different direction.
🧠 Berta’s Alternative Vision
Though no specific names have been confirmed by the club, several players were reportedly on Berta’s radar as alternatives to Zubimendi. Among them:
- Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid): A rising star in La Liga, known for his tenacity and tactical intelligence.
- Lucien Agoumé (Sevilla): A composed ball-winner with strong distribution skills.
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): A versatile English midfielder capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker.
Each of these players was linked with Arsenal in the months leading up to the transfer window, suggesting Berta may have had a broader shortlist for the No.6 role.
🔴 Zubimendi’s Early Impact
Despite the behind-the-scenes divergence, Zubimendi has quickly settled into life in North London. The Spanish international has started all three of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures this season, contributing to wins over Manchester United and Leeds United before the Gunners fell 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield.
His composure, positional awareness, and passing range have already drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, reinforcing Arteta’s belief that Zubimendi was the ideal fit for his system.
⚖️ Arteta vs. Berta: A Balancing Act
The situation highlights the evolving dynamic between Arsenal’s head coach and its sporting director. While Arteta’s influence over recruitment remains strong, Berta’s arrival signals a shift toward a more collaborative, data-driven approach to squad building.
Berta, who oversaw a busy summer window that included the arrivals of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Piero Hincapie, is expected to play a more central role in future transfer strategies. Whether that means more of his preferred targets will be pursued remains to be seen.
🏁 What’s Next
With Arsenal sitting third in the Premier League and preparing for a Champions League opener against Athletic Bilbao, Zubimendi’s performances will continue to be scrutinized—not just as a key player, but as a symbol of the club’s evolving recruitment philosophy.
For now, the Spaniard appears to be delivering on expectations. But as Berta’s influence grows, fans may begin to see a new layer of strategic thinking behind the scenes at the Emirates.