Arsenal’s summer plans stall as Andrea Berta’s tactics backfire

Arsenal’s summer transfer agenda aimed to plug a striking‑depth gap, targeting Leicester’s rising talents Jeremy Monga and Louis Page, but Andrea Berta’s unconventional negotiation approach saw the double deal collapse. The Gunners had hoped the signings would reinforce a forward line that lacked a proven goal‑scorer after recent departures.

Berta’s negotiation method

Comments Sport Daniel Orme Sports Writer 11:25, 06 Sep 2026 View 2 Images. The Gunners have already secured Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers, James Scanlon from Manchester United and Cardiff City starlet Axel Donczew, and they have agreed a deal for Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili.

According to, sporting director Andrea Berta chose to negotiate through intermediaries rather than engage directly with Leicester officials, a tactic he also employed for the Bruno Guimaraes move. This lack of club‑to‑club contact was cited as the key reason the Monga‑Page transfers did not materialise.

Arteta’s view on the window

Jeremy Monga ultimately opted for Premier League rivals Manchester City, who paid £12m for the Leicester wonderkid before sending him on a season‑long loan to Championship side Swansea City. Louis Page remained at Leicester despite late interest from Manchester United.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the club had spent close to £200m this window and expressed satisfaction with the squad’s depth. “It is what it is – we don’t decide! I think we all know we had to make a decision on when we wanted the window to be closed, and now that’s it, and now it’s crystal clear everybody’s squads and where everybody has to be,” he told reporters.

When asked about deals that slipped away, Arteta added, “I don’t know – I think every moment, every situation is different. Sometimes we need to react because something unexpected happens as well, and you need to be prepared for that, so I think every case is different.”

He concluded, “I don’t know, these are just opinions. The window is closed and I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in this squad and not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now. That’s it and that’s my main responsibility.”

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