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Arteta vs Berta? Arsenal manager OVERRULES transfer guru in striker pursuit
Tom Weber
- Updated: 24 May 2025 09:33 CDT
- 5 min read
News
A first struggle for dominance seems to already be developing at Arsenal between Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.
The Gunners are gearing up for what is likely to be the biggest transfer window in their recent club history, and their business is being led by former Atletico Madrid transfer guru Berta.
Compared
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
VS
Benjamin Šeško
F (C)
RB Leipzig
Benjamin Šeško
F (C)
RB Leipzig
|
|
ETV |
|
| €67.5M - €82.5M | ETV Range | €60.2M - €73.6M |
| 26 years old (04 Jun, 1998) | Age | 21 years old (31 May, 2003) |
|
Sweden
|
Nationality |
Slovenia
|
When he joined Arsenal, there were question marks over how he would get on with Arteta, whose power at the club has steadily grown since his appointment in 2019 when he was still referred to as just 'head coach.'
Both are men of great convictions, and the first sign that Berta wouldn't just be a 'yes man' for Arteta appeared when Arsenal reignited their interest in Viktor Gyokeres.
Berta had already eyed the Swede during his time at Atleti, and the Italian believes that he is the striker who can take Arsenal to the next level. Gyokeres is experienced and has been putting up ridiculous numbers in Portugal.
Arteta overrules Berta
Arsenal's new focus on Gyokeres came at the expense of Benjamin Sesko, who had been the club's top target (not counting the seemingly unattainable Alexander Isak) since last year.
Much of the groundwork for a potential transfer of Sesko was laid by Berta's predecessor Edu Gaspar. The Brazilian held extensive talks with Sesko last summer and managed to secure buy-in from the Slovenian.
The Leipzig striker ultimately felt that another season in the Bundesliga would be better for his development, but there was an acceptance that he would be ready to join Arsenal further down the line.
The appointment of Berta cast doubt on a potential move for Sesko. Transfer insider David Ornstein later revealed that Arsenal had developed 'reservations' about the young striker, who would actually be more expensive than Gyokeres.
However, the situation took another twist on Friday when Sky Germany began reporting that Arsenal had entered into 'concrete talks' with Leipzig over a summer move for Sesko.
Berta, it was claimed, was in direct contact with his German counterpart Marcel Schafer to discuss the modalities of a transfer. Later that same day, more clarity was provided on the situation when reporter Florian Plettenberg stated that the deal is being driven primarily by Arteta.
"Arteta really wants Sesko," Plettenberg said on Sky's Transfer Update YouTube show, which suggests that the manager has overruled Berta in a clear sign that the Spaniard still maintains his position of almost absolute authority.
As FootballTransfers previously reported, Arsenal could add not just one but two strikers this summer. However, considering the sheer number of signings they are planning to make, it is unlikely that they will be able to bring in both Sesko and Gyokeres, with neither being particularly cheap.
The latter will cost up to €70 million, while Sesko could command a fee as high as €100m if German media is to be believed. His release clause has risen to over €80m, but Leipzig are open to discussing a different structure on better payment terms for the buyer - but only at a premium price.
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