Arsenal are unlikely to break the bank for any new signings before the transfer window closes with Andrea Berta striving for value in the market.
The Gunners are stepping up their summer recruitment drive and hope to make several additions to Mikel Arteta’s squad before they jet off for their pre-season tour next week.
Berta played a role in helping to get the signing of Martin Zubimendi across the line last week, while a £5million deal to prise Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea was relatively straightforward.
The former Atletico Madrid transfer chief is having to use all of his bargaining expertise, meanwhile, in order to broker a deal with Sporting Lisbon for Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal’s determination, meanwhile, to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea has triggered an emotional reaction from their fans, but Berta is said to be, according to The Times, convinced there is value in the market for players around the £65m mark.
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The likes of Rodrygo, Nico Williams and Morgan Rogers have all been on Arsenal’s radar this summer but would all have cost significantly more thanBerta’s benchmark.
Arsenal’s sporting director may well end up paying slightly more for Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, who will remain a live target regardless of the Gunners’ Madueke pursuit.
The England international is keen on a move to Arsenal and personal terms have already been agreed.
Chelsea are holding out for a bid of £55million but there is confidence that a deal can be agreed even though the opening offer fell short of the Blues’ asking price.
While Arsenal fans are dubious as to the merits of signing Madueke, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes the 23-year-old would represent a superb addition.
He told Grosvenor Sport: ‘Noni Madueke would be a great signing for Arsenal. I don’t know why Arsenal fans aren’t enthusiastic towards the prospect of signing him.
‘Arsenal are going to be playing in four major competitions and it was obvious they were short of reinforcements when Bukayo Saka was injured last season.
‘Madueke had a brilliant start to the season for Chelsea and is adaptable; he played some minutes at left-back. He can run with the ball and has a bit of arrogance about him, which I like.
‘I don’t understand Arsenal fans when they suggest Madueke wouldn’t improve the team. Madueke would significantly improve the squad; he’s better than Leandro Trossard and if Saka gets injured, he’s a great replacement.
‘Gabriel Martinelli has been inconsistent and Madueke would provide competition for a place on the left side – he could even surpass Martinelli if he was given a run of opportunities. I think he’d be a great signing – if I was Chelsea, I wouldn’t be letting him leave!’