Arteta has told Arsenal board to sign £150m star with next few weeks "key"

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told the Gunners board to try and sign a marquee player this summer, with this next month described as pivotal in determining whether the Premier League heavyweights can get a deal done.

Andrea Berta agrees Arsenal deal as new director with targets identified

Over the weekend, news surfaced that Arsenal agreed a deal with ex-Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta to become their new sporting director.

Related

Andrea Berta’s dream XI at Arsenal: New Haaland signs & Partey gets the axe

Andrea Berta is on the verge of linking up with Arsenal as their new sporting director.

The 53-year-old left Atletico after 12 fruitful years at the Wanda Metropolitano, and his availability piqued serious interest from Arsenal, who entered negotiations and sought to tempt him with a move to the Emirates.

Following positive talks with the Italian, both Arsenal and Berta shook hands on an agreement for him to succeed Edu Gaspar, following his departure from N5 in November.

This comes as excellent news for Arsenal and Arteta, with Berta expected to immediately get to work on the club’s transfer activity. According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, the chief has already identified targets ahead of next season, and one of them is Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international, who currently stands out as a superstar striker in the Premier League, is enjoying yet another fine season at St James’ Park with 22 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions.

Two of those strikes actually came against Arteta’s side, once in the top flight and another in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, so Arsenal know full well just how dangerous he can be in front of goal.

Newcastle are adopting a firm stance when it comes to selling Isak, though, with some reports suggesting that the Magpies won’t even entertain bids of less than £150 million (Ben Jacobs).

However, Arteta is believed to be a massive fan of Isak, and won’t completely call time on the chase for his signature this summer – despite the many hurdles in Arsenal’s way.

Arteta has told Arsenal to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United

According to a report from Spain, the tactician is more determined than ever to land him.

Indeed, it is believed that Arteta has told the Arsenal board to try and strike a deal for Isak, who has become their main target ahead of next campaign. The club are prepared to mount a challenge for the 25-year-old in response to their manager’s request, and Arsenal believe he could be the player who transforms them into eventual Premier League champions.

As well as this, the next few weeks are apparently “key” when it comes to Isak’s future and a potential move from Arsenal.

Ex-Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has described the former Real Sociedad star as one of the most exciting and “underrated” players in the division, and there is no arguing Isak’s quality. That being said, it is exactly why Newcastle will come as a major hurdle for Arsenal.

Their demands are set to be extravagant, so Arteta’s side may need to smash their transfer record if they have any hope of reaching an agreement.