The signing of Martin Zubimendi was one of Arsenal’s biggest moves of the summer, but it’s now been revealed that the framework of the deal was already in place before sporting director Andrea Berta officially took up his post.
Zubimendi signed off pre-Berta
According to @gunnerblog, Arsenal had already worked through the structure of the deal with Real Sociedad ahead of Berta’s arrival from Atlético Madrid. The Basque midfielder had been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, who wanted him to provide balance alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Berta was more than happy to see the move completed, but insiders suggest that had he been installed earlier in the summer, he might have explored other names for the number six role. This doesn’t reflect badly on Zubimendi, but rather shows that Berta came in with his own vision and a shortlist of players he trusted from his previous network.
Berta’s alternative candidates
While the exact names aren’t confirmed, Berta’s history at Atlético and beyond suggests he would have looked closely at midfielders with a more physical, multi-functional profile. Players capable of screening the defence but also pushing into half-spaces have traditionally been Berta’s preference. It’s understood that his initial conversations at Arsenal included discussions about profiles he rates highly across La Liga and Serie A.
Why Zubimendi still fits
For Arteta, Zubimendi was the perfect puzzle piece. Comfortable on the ball, tactically disciplined, and with years of experience at the base of midfield in Spain, the 25-year-old represents a safe and stylistically compatible signing. Arsenal believe he will free Rice to play with more dynamism, while also giving Odegaard a platform to create higher up the pitch.
Ultimately, Berta inherited a deal too far down the line to reconsider. But the episode highlights an interesting dynamic: Arsenal’s new sporting director is aligned with Arteta’s project but not afraid to push his own views when given the chance. Future transfer windows are where we’ll truly see Berta’s hand on squad building.
