At a Glance:
- Andrea Berta is targeting a number of left wingers ahead of the summer transfer window.
- One of the Italian’s targets has reportedly agreed terms with another club.
- Arsenal must now look for alternatives.
Andrea Berta is already drawing up summer transfer plans for Arsenal, despite Mikel Arteta’s team being on the precipice of a historic double, although the sporting director has been dealt a significant blow in his pursuit of one specific target.
The Gunners are just two wins away from being crowned Premier League champions, while they’re set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest at the end of May. This hasn’t prevented Berta from assessing how he can improve Arteta’s squad, and he’s subsequently preparing moves for the summer window.
A new left-winger, a central midfielder, a right-back and possibly a striker are all on the Italian’s agenda, in what could be yet another busy window at the Emirates.
Bayern Munich agree ‘broad terms’ with Arsenal target Anthony Gordon
It’s well documented that Arsenal are looking to sign a left-sided forward this summer. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both have a year left on their respective deals, and at least one of them is therefore expected to depart North London in the coming months.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been heavily linked with a switch to N5, although the Georgian is likely to cost the Gunners an astronomical amount. Berta has therefore drawn up a list of alternatives, which includes Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
Gordon’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, with Arsenal said to be one of a number of clubs interested in landing his signature. However, it now appears that Bayern Munich lead the race to sign the England international.
According to respected journalist Ben Jacobs, ‘broad terms’ are now in place between Gordon and Bayern. The Bavarian giants want to bolster the depth in their attack and view the 25-year-old as the perfect man to fill this role in their squad.
That said, there is still hope for Arsenal in this pursuit. Jacobs suggests that there is a significant gulf in the valuation between Bayern and Newcastle.
The Magpies are holding out for a fee in excess of £75 million, a sum Bayern seemingly aren’t willing to reach. However, Jacobs does indicate that there is ‘optimism’ that a deal can be agreed, given how interested both parties are in making it happen.
Broad terms now in place between Anthony Gordon and Bayern Munich.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 13, 2026
However, there remains a gulf in valuation between Bayern and Newcastle with club-to-club talks ongoing.#NUFC seeking £75m+. There is optimism the club’s valuation will be met given the volume of initial… pic.twitter.com/PRhUHvLQAJ
Missing out on Anthony Gordon would be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal
There’s no doubt that Arsenal need to add a left winger to their ranks this summer. However, flexing their financial muscle to sign Gordon makes little sense.
If Newcastle are holding out for £75 million, Berta should allow Bayern to swoop on the former Everton man. His output simply doesn’t merit a fee that vast, as shown in the data comparison with Kvaratskhelia below.
| Statistical Comparison 2025/26 (League Only) | ||
| Stat | Gordon | Kvaratskhelia |
| Appearances | 26 | 26 |
| Goals | 6 | 7 |
| Assists | 2 | 4 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.38 | 4.26 |
| Non-Penalty Expected Goals per 90 | 0.32 | 0.44 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.29 | 2.2 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.17 | 0.31 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 1.64 | 2.79 |
If Gordon opts to join Bayern, that’ll ultimately prove to be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal. They should use this opportunity to aggressively pursue Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola or emerging talent Yan Diomande.
Berta needs to be smart in the market and take advantage of the significantly more economical deals than the one presented with Gordon.
