ARSENAL TRANSFER UPDATE: Andrea Berta expected to push for 'intelligent' striker compared to Haaland once Arsenal arrival is sealed

Andrea Berta is now expected to join Arsenal after the Brazilian suddenly resigned from his role as Director of Football back in November – the Italian negotiator who previously bought the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Rodri to Atletico Madrid.

It almost goes without saying that the 53-year-old’s first task will be to help Mikel Arteta find a new striker this summer, after injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus showed just how thin the attacking department really is at the Emirates Stadium.

Now – according to Sky Sports – a striker compared to Erling Haaland will potentially be the first signing made by Berta at Arsenal.

Arsenal expected to push for Jonathan David

Sacha Tavolieri has now claimed that Arsenal are expected to make a bid for Jonathan David in the coming weeks – as they wait to formally announce Berta.

The Canada international becomes a free agent this summer when his contract at Lille expires, and after netting 21 goals in 37 appearances so far this season, competition for his signature is sure to be fierce.

Sky Sports add that Graham Potter has made David – who has been called an “intelligent” striker – a priority for West Ham to sign this summer, with the Hammers said to be the only side who have made a formal proposal to the Lille No.9 so far.

However, Arsenal are expected to join West Ham in doing so soon once Berta is in place, and will have the benefit of only needing to deal with the Canadian’s representatives rather than Lille as well, as he approaches free agency.

Sky Sports also mention that Barcelona are keen to sign David – and a move to the Camp Nou is his preferred option – although the Spanish giants may not be able to match what Arsenal and West Ham can offer him financially.

Jonathan David has been compared to Erling Haaland

If Berta does manage to lure the 25-year-old to Arsenal, the Gunners would be getting a striker compared to one of Europe’s very best.

David has been likened to Haaland by reporter Elton Mokolo, who told Winamax FC: “With the ball, he is not Karim Benzema. There is always room for improvement, but he is a useful player. Players (born in 2000 or after) who have this performance do not exist, except Erling Haaland.”

With 142 goals in 303 appearances at club level – and 31 in 59 games for Canada – the man born in New York certainly boasts a CV worth getting excited about.