Arsenal to ‘pay release clause’ after Berta decides ‘first big signing’ with Arteta ‘intent’ on transfer

According to reports, incoming Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already picked out the ‘first big signing’ he wants to make this summer.

Earlier this month, it emerged that the Gunners have picked former Atletico Madrid chief Berta to replace former sporting director Edu, who left the Premier League giants at the end of last season.

Jason Ayto was made Edu’s interim replacement while Arsenal’s hierarchy searched for his permanent successor and they have settled on Berta.

The 53-year-old did a superb job at Atletico Madrid, with Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak among his top ten signings. He spent four years as their technical director and a further seven and a half years as sporting director before leaving at the start of this year.

Berta will be busy this summer as Arsenal are crying out for at least one new striker and could also sign a winger ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Gunners are already linked with several potential targets and Wolves standout Matheus Cunha is an option.

A report in Spain claims Berta – who worked with Cunha at Atletico Madrid – ‘wants’ the forward to be his ‘first big signing’ this summer.

Another report in Spain claims Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is ‘intent’ on signing Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali ahead of Barcelona.

The 21-year-old has been capped several times for Morocco at U21 level and has impressed in La Liga this season, contributing two assists in his 25 appearances.

El Hilali is available for an affordable fee as there is a 15 million euro release clause in his current contract and they are ‘willing to pay’ this fee.

‘Although Espanyol does not want to lose one of its jewels, the 15 million release clause makes his departure more than likely if Arsenal decide to formalize the offer.

‘For El Hilali, the possibility of signing for a club like Arsenal would be a qualitative leap in his career, allowing him to compete in one of the most demanding leagues in the world and in Europe’s top competition.

‘However, the young full-back also knows that at Espanyol he has the opportunity to continue growing and earning playing time, something that could be key to his development.

‘Negotiations are expected to progress in the coming weeks, and everything indicates that Arteta will not relent in his efforts to bring El Hilali to London.

‘If Arsenal finally manage to close the signing of Omar El Hilali, it would be an important step in building a competitive team with a future projection. The young full-back has the talent and mentality to succeed in the Premier League, and his arrival would be a statement of intent on the part of Arsenal.’