Berta now planning "surprise" Arsenal move to sign unsettled Brazil int'l

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team are now targeting an unsettled Brazilian this summer, following an impressive 2024/2025 campaign where he’s even donned the captain’s armband.

Arsenal prepare for blockbuster Champions League semi-final against PSG

Mikel Arteta has no Premier League game to prepare for this weekend, meaning all of his focus can be thrust on to their blockbuster Champions League semi-final clash against PSG on Tuesday.

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Berta set for £50m Arsenal signing decision after personally holding talks

The Italian will have final say.

Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates was hardly ideal preparation for their biggest game of the season, conceding a one-goal lead twice to eventually finish the game level, and Arteta admitted that his side would need to be in far better form against a side who remain unbeaten in Ligue 1.

“We haven’t been able to see the games off for many reasons, and the margins have been too small,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 2-2 with Palace.

“Sometimes that, sometimes credit to the opposition, it’s true that we played five times with ten men. There are a lot of factors, but obviously it’s something that we’ve done much better in the past, especially when we’ve been ahead in games. Today, without really much happening, especially in the second half, we have to be able to see the game off.

“We’re always looking because we know how tough it is to win football matches in the Premier League, and especially with the amount of numbers and the amount of games that we have, we’re going to have to be really good in both competitions to earn the right where we want to end up.”

Arsenal have a golden chance to make 2024/2025 one of their most memorable campaigns in history by winning their first ever Champions League title, and doing so would cement their status as a true member of the European elite.

Arsenal plan “surprise” move for Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos

It would also attract their top transfer targets, with Arsenal reportedly closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

However, despite Berta nearing a move for the Spain international, and attempting to tie down Thomas Partey, it is now believed that the north Londoners could look to launch a move for Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos.

The Brazil international has enjoyed an excellent loan spell at their sister club, Strasbourg, with manager Liam Rosenior allowing him to captain the Ligue 1 side in some matches and calling him “magnificent”.

“Andrey is going to have a magnificent career. You forget how young some of them are,” said Rosenior.

“Andrey plays like he’s 32. I call him Dunga (after Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning captain): he’s Brazilian, but he doesn’t play like one. He’s so smart and his stats are through the roof, in terms of scoring goals, winning duels. He’s going to have an outstanding career.”

As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal are planning a “surprise” move for Santos, with the 20-year-old “not entirely committed” to remaining at Chelsea next season.

Santos, who could be available for £42m, has dazzled in the French top flight this term, bagging 10 goals and five assists throughout all competitions. He can also play both as a holding midfielder and traditional centre-midfielder.