Arsenal Football Club is poised to make waves in the Premier League, with sporting director Andrea Berta spearheading a transformative project that could redefine the Gunners’ future. In a bold move to secure their place among Europe’s elite, Arsenal are set to shatter their wage structure, offering unprecedented contracts to star duo Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. These deals, which will see both players eclipse the £300,000-per-week barrier, mark a historic shift for a club determined to retain its top talent and challenge for major honors. “This is about showing we can keep hold of our top players and compete at the highest level,” a club insider said, reflecting the ambition driving Berta’s strategy.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal have undergone a remarkable resurgence, finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2025. Despite their progress, the elusive Premier League title—last won in 2004—remains out of reach, with a 3-1 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Europe underscoring the need for further investment. Berta, who joined Arsenal in March 2025 after a 12-year stint at Atlético Madrid, is wasting no time. His “project” aims to lock in the club’s core players while bolstering the squad with high-profile signings, signaling Arsenal’s intent to close the gap on rivals like Manchester City.
Saka, the 23-year-old winger and Arsenal’s homegrown hero, is poised to become the club’s highest earner, surpassing Kai Havertz’s current £280,000-per-week benchmark. His dazzling performances, including 15 goals and 12 assists in the 2024-25 Premier League season, have made him indispensable. Saliba, the 24-year-old French center-back, will also see his wages soar, reflecting his status as one of Europe’s premier defenders. “Berta is working hard on new deals for his own players,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, noting that talks with Saka and Saliba’s camps are advancing swiftly. These contracts will not only reward their contributions but also fend off interest from clubs like Real Madrid, who have long admired Saliba.
Beyond securing Saka and Saliba, Berta is orchestrating an aggressive transfer strategy. Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the Portuguese club open to a £60 million release clause. Gyokeres, who has scored 25 goals in 2025, could command a £200,000-per-week salary, further straining Arsenal’s wage bill but addressing their need for a clinical No. 9. “I am hearing from sources around the league that Gyokeres is heading to Arsenal,” a transfer insider claimed, highlighting the growing belief that the Swedish star will join the Gunners. Alternatively, Berta is eyeing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian whose £70 million price tag fits Arsenal’s youth-focused recruitment model.
The club’s transfer ambitions don’t stop there. Berta is reportedly targeting Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with a verbal agreement in place to trigger his £60 million clause, and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, a midfielder shining on loan at Strasbourg. Up to five signings are planned, with a left-sided attacker, central defender, midfielder, and left-back also on the radar. “Berta is busy on incomings,” a transfer expert noted, emphasizing the sporting director’s focus on a new center-forward to complement Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, neither of whom is a natural striker. Arsenal’s financial position, bolstered by a £616.6 million revenue increase in 2023-24, gives Berta the flexibility to pursue these deals without breaching Premier League sustainability rules.
This bold strategy comes with risks. Arsenal’s wage bill, already the fifth-highest in the Premier League, will climb further, potentially complicating future negotiations with players like Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, who currently earn less than Saka and Saliba will. Moreover, Berta’s track record at Atlético—while impressive with signings like Jan Oblak and Antoine Griezmann—includes costly missteps, such as the £126 million João Félix deal. Yet, Arsenal’s leadership remains confident. “Andrea has vast knowledge of the game and an insatiable desire to build winning teams,” co-chair Josh Kroenke said, praising Berta’s appointment.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal fans are buzzing with anticipation. The record-breaking contracts for Saka and Saliba, coupled with Berta’s pursuit of elite talent, signal a club ready to take the next step. Whether this ambitious overhaul delivers the long-awaited Premier League crown remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Arsenal are no longer content to play second fiddle.
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