Eberechi Eze to Arsenal reality clearer as Andrea Berta handed new £40m transfer mission

After losing back-to-back pre-season fixtures, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are facing what might be premature but genuine pressure and concern from supporters. There is a sense that the team is not yet ready for the Premier League season, despite the trip to Old Trafford being one more friendly and just over a week away.

Arteta was critical after the game of the side’s efficiency in the final third, and there were further defensive errors, which have been an issue throughout the summer. There have definitely been positives in the form of Max Dowman, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard’s sharpnessand the integration of so many new signings.

However, the club still feels like it needs more, both on and off the field. From a summer transfer market perspective, one focus right now is outgoings.

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Andrea Berta has been excellent for the club this summer, but football.london understands that discussions are under way regarding several players leaving the club. While the Gunners hope to field interest for others, too.

Stuttgart are in talks with the Gunners about a move for Fabio Vieirafollowing Enzo Millot's expected exit. Arsenal want to recoup as much of the £34million they paid as possible, but might struggle to get much over half the former price tag, and a £20million deal would be seen as a successful sale.

Reiss Nelson is also in discussions over a move to Fulham. Arsenal would primarily want a permanent exit but the West London side, conscious of the player’s injury record, would prefer a loan with discussions perhaps meeting somewhere in the middle.

Karl Hein has interest from multiple teams as Berta tries to maximise any potential sale after a solid loan spell with Real Valladolid last season. However, a minor injury has recently impacted his summer.

Leandro Trossard, expected back soon after a minor muscular issue, is also the subject of interest with a price tag believed to be around £20million. The Belgian’s future is expected to be the most determining of any incomings for Arsenal before the window closes with a move for a replacement a necessity if the winger does leave.

Discussions had taken place earlier in the window around Eberechi Eze, and while the player remains of interest to the club and vice versa, the renewal of Ethan Nwaneri appears to have been a bigger link to a move for the Crystal Palace player than previously thought, not to mention Dowman's performances and the consciousness over a pathway for the talented teenager.

Had Arsenal been unsuccessful in renewing Nwaneri's contract, the need for a central attacking player would have been paramount. However, the more pressing need now, as a result, that remains for Arsenal this summer is expected to be elsewhere.

A late-in-the-window move for a player would most likely involve a more traditional wide player, with Eze predominantly a more central figure who can operate in wider roles. Arsenal have interest in Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon, but Berta has plenty of market options should the club have the need and the capacity to move for a player in late August.