What 'maverick' Andrea Berta did during Viktor Gyokeres talks that helped Arsenal save millions

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

Mikel Arteta has been desperate for a new striker for quite some time now, and Andrea Berta’s biggest task following his arrival was to fill that void.

It has taken a little while, and negotiations with Sporting frustrated Arsenal because they kept playing hardball over the terms of the deal.

But, Berta has managed to get it over the line, and all that’s left now is for a medical and the official announcement.

Andrea Berta’s masterclass helped Arsenal save £5m in Viktor Gyokeres deal

Berta is one of the most experienced sporting directors out there.

The Italian has been in the game for over two decades, and he has secured some massive deals over the years, especially at Atletico Madrid.

Viktor Gyokeres will be Berta’s biggest signing at Arsenal, having agreed a £62.4 million (initial £54.8m + £8.6m in add-ons) deal with Sporting CP.

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Negotiations between the two clubs dragged on for a long time, and there were fears that the deal could collapse because Sporting kept making this difficult.

However, despite the Portuguese giants’ negotiating tactics, Berta managed to knock down their price tag by £5 million, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist said on the Latte Firm: “Andrea Berta proved with Viktor Gyokeres that he can drive prices down.

“Many Arsenal fans were saying, “Why are we not paying £5 million more to get Gyokeres over the line?”

“But actually, the end deal was £5 million less. And that’s Andrea Berta all over. He’s a bit of a maverick in the market.”

The one final deal Andrea Berta needs to pull off at Arsenal this summer

Berta has exceeded expectations at Arsenal.

Every fan was hoping for big things from the Italian, but six new signings before the start of August is just exceptional business.

Now, to make this a 10/10 window for Arsenal, Berta needs to sign one last player – Eberechi Eze!

The Crystal Palace star is one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League, and his ability to create something out of nothing is exactly what Arsenal need in the upcoming campaign.

Eze has a £68 million release clause including add-ons, which is a bit steep. But, if anyone can drive that price down, it’s Berta.

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