Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta has delighted Gunners insiders with a “masterstroke” he’s pulled off behind-the-scenes, with the Italian continuing to impress after a phenomenal first summer transfer window at the club.
While Premier League rivals Liverpool are currently the favourites to retain their crown as champions of England, thanks to lavish spending of their own, there is still a long way to go until the final whistle blows on this campaign and Arsenal are likely to be their fierce direct rivals.
|
Arsenal’s confirmed summer signings |
Price tag |
|---|---|
|
Kepa Arrizabalaga |
£5m |
|
Martin Zubimendi |
£60m |
|
Christian Norgaard |
£15m |
|
Noni Madueke |
£52m |
|
Cristhian Mosquera |
£13m |
|
Viktor Gyokeres |
£55m |
|
Eberechi Eze |
£67.5m |
|
Piero Hincapie |
Loan |
Jamie Carragher, Theo Walcott, Gary Neville and Roy Keane took aim at Arsenal’s lack of creative urgency in the final third against Liverpool, but once their new summer arrivals are fully settled, you wouldn’t bet against the north Londoners finding their feet in this regard.
Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, who bagged 68 goals and 24 assists in all competitions between them last season at Sporting CP and Crystal Palace respectively, were top Berta captures to seriously help them compete with Liverpool in attack.
Berta personally wanted Gyokeres over fellow long-time striker target Benjamin Sesko, who ultimately joined Man United, with the 53-year-old also winning the hearts of Arsenal supporters everywhere by hijacking Tottenham’s once-advanced deal for Eze.
With the title race now more competitive than ever, with Man City also reinforcing their ranks alongside big-spenders Chelsea, adding the likes of Eze and Gyokeres could be imperative in Arsenal’s quest to end their 20-plus-year-long wait for a domestic league crown.
The same can be said for their signing of defender Piero Hincapie on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, with Arsenal possessing an option to buy the centre-back for £45 million in 2026.
Hincapie, a key starter for Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso last term, was also a regular during their historic 2023/2024 double-winning season, where the Germans nearly went unbeaten for the entire campaign in all competitions – if not for their surprise Europa League final loss to Atalanta.
The 23-year-old possesses a wealth of proven top-level experience for his age, and it could well prove vital depending on the severity of William Saliba’s fresh ankle injury he picked up against Liverpool last weekend.
Andrea Berta praised for Piero Hincapie “masterstroke” at Arsenal
Journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, has elaborated on Arsenal’s last-minute summer deal for the South American.
The reporter praised Berta for what could be an Arsenal “masterstroke” by signing Hincapie, and those within the club are apparently “delighted” as they expect the centre-back to have a special future.
“Arsenal are absolutely delighted with the Hincapie deal,” said Bailey.
“Andrea Berta has worked hard on that one, obviously the player wanting to come has played a part.
“Indeed with William Saliba injured, it is looking a masterstroke, but Hincapie’s level really is top class. Kiwior was a smashing defender, well liked and more than capable, but Arsenal really feel Hincapie could be special.
“They were a bit disappointed with missing out on (Jorrel) Hato but Hincapie more than makes up for it.
“Hincapie is going to be Arsenal’s last incoming deal of the summer, but it could be one of the best.”
It is worth noting Hincapie can play in multiple different positions across the defensive line as well, including as a full-back, so he could also cover for the likes of Ben White when required.
