Andrea Berta is already making his presence felt as Arsenal’s new sporting director. He’s been quietly effective, already securing Gabriel’s contract extension and working on more key deals behind the scenes. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal are finalising a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to join the club as the backup goalkeeper. Arsenal are also wrapping up a deal for Martín Zubimendi, despite late interest from Real Madrid. The 26-year-old Spain international is expected to report for pre-season at London Colney in July. Talks with Benjamin Sesko are progressing well, according to Fabrizio Romano.

One of Berta’s key responsibilities this summer is to oversee the outgoings, clearing out players who are no longer in favour or whose contracts are running down in 2026 and 2027. Kieran Tierney and Marquinhos have already left the club, signalling the start of a wider squad reshuffle. Arsenal are clearly focused on tightening the squad and investing in areas that need genuine reinforcement.

Contract situations will play a big role in the decisions. Several players have deals expiring in 2026, including Karl Hein, Sambi Lokonga, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Leandro Trossard. For 2027, the list includes Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba. Among them, Saka and Saliba are top priorities and are expected to sign extensions that secure their long-term futures at the club.

However, not everyone will stay. With growing rumours linking Arsenal to two top-class wingers, Rodrygo and Leroy Sane, there’s a realistic possibility that one or both of Martinelli and Trossard could be moved on to make room. These tough decisions are what Berta was brought in to handle. Thomas Partey is another name to watch. His current deal is up, but Arsenal want him to stay and are currently in talks over a new contract. The 31-year-old midfielder is happy at the club, and his family is enjoying life in London. According to The Athletic, Partey is open to signing an improved two-year deal or a one-year deal with an option for a second, but no agreement has been reached yet.

Tomiyasu is a trickier case. He is a valuable asset, a top-quality, versatile defender who can cover across the backline when fit. If he can stay healthy, he could be an important part of Arsenal’s plans for the 2025/26 season. But his injury record raises serious concerns. Realistically, no club is likely to move for him while he’s injured, so Arsenal may have no choice but to keep him and hope for a full recovery before the new season begins. If he were to leave, however, the club would need to go into the market for defensive cover.

Berta’s work is only beginning, but the signs are clear, Arsenal are planning a leaner, higher-quality squad, and this summer could be one of the busiest yet.