Arsenal are setting the Premier League transfer market ablaze, with sporting director Andrea Berta orchestrating a daring double raid on rivals Chelsea. Having already secured the signature of Chelsea’s versatile defender Tosin Adarabioyo, the Gunners are now “working hard” to land a second Blues star, 20-year-old midfielder Andrey Santos, in a move that could significantly bolster their squad while dealing a blow to their London neighbors. “This is a statement of intent from Arsenal,” a transfer insider declared, highlighting the club’s relentless pursuit of top talent to fuel their 2025-26 Premier League title challenge.
Under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship, Arsenal have transformed into a formidable force, finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2025. Yet, the elusive title, last won in 2004, remains the ultimate goal. Berta, who joined from Atlético Madrid in March 2025, is spearheading an aggressive recruitment strategy to close the gap on Manchester City. The acquisition of Adarabioyo, a 27-year-old center-back who joined Arsenal on a free transfer after his Chelsea contract expired, was a masterstroke. “Tosin’s ability to play out from the back and his physicality make him a perfect fit,” Arteta said, praising the defender’s seamless integration alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Now, Arsenal’s sights are set on Santos, a dynamic Brazilian midfielder who has shone on loan at Strasbourg, a club under Chelsea’s ownership umbrella. Santos, who signed for Chelsea in January 2023 for £18 million, has impressed with four goals and six assists in Ligue 1 this season, earning comparisons to Arsenal’s Declan Rice for his box-to-box energy and technical prowess. “Andrey is a player with huge potential,” Berta reportedly told Arsenal’s board, advocating for a £25 million deal to bring the youngster to the Emirates. The move would exploit Chelsea’s bloated squad and financial pressures, with the Blues potentially open to a sale to comply with Premier League sustainability rules.
Arsenal’s interest in Santos aligns with their broader transfer strategy, which includes record-breaking contract extensions for Bukayo Saka and Saliba, and pursuits of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. “Berta is working on multiple fronts to strengthen the squad,” an industry source noted, emphasizing the club’s ambition to address key areas, including midfield depth and attacking firepower. Santos, who can play as a No. 6 or No. 8, would provide competition for Rice and Martin Ødegaard, while his youth fits Arsenal’s long-term vision. “We want players who can grow with us,” Arteta said, underscoring the club’s focus on sustainable success.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are reeling from the prospect of losing two talents to their rivals. Adarabioyo’s departure, after limited game time under Enzo Maresca, exposed Chelsea’s struggle to integrate their vast roster. Santos, despite his promise, faces a crowded midfield at Stamford Bridge, with Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Roméo Lavia ahead of him. “Chelsea’s loss could be Arsenal’s gain,” a transfer analyst remarked, noting that Maresca’s reluctance to guarantee Santos a first-team role has fueled speculation about a move. Arsenal’s financial muscle, bolstered by a £616.6 million revenue increase in 2023-24, gives them the edge to outmaneuver Chelsea in negotiations.
The potential double raid has sparked excitement among Arsenal fans, who see Berta’s influence as a game-changer. Social media is abuzz with calls for Santos to join, with one supporter tweeting, “Santos and Adarabioyo from Chelsea? Berta’s cooking something special!” However, the deals carry risks. Arsenal’s wage bill, already strained by new contracts, could face further pressure, and integrating Santos into a competitive midfield will require careful management. Chelsea, for their part, may resist losing another prospect, especially to a direct rival, potentially driving up Santos’ price.
As the summer window nears, Arsenal’s audacious strategy is a clear signal of their intent to dominate. With Adarabioyo already in the fold and Santos within reach, Berta’s vision is taking shape. Whether this double raid propels Arsenal to their first Premier League title in over two decades remains to be seen, but the Gunners are undeniably a club on the rise, ready to seize their moment.