Andrea Berta, the highly regarded sporting director, has built his reputation on making sharp, calculated decisions without letting emotion cloud his judgment. One of the clearest examples of that approach came during discussions over potential striker signings this summer.
For months, Arsenal’s need for a reliable center forward has been one of the most debated topics in European football. With Mikel Arteta’s side looking for that final attacking piece to push them closer to major silverware, names such as Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško dominated headlines. Berta’s assessment, however, highlighted the fine balance between short-term impact and long-term value.
Gyökeres, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Sporting Lisbon, certainly fit the mold of a striker ready to deliver immediately. At 27 years old, his physicality, work rate, and scoring ability appeared to make him an ideal candidate for Arsenal. But Berta quickly recognized that his age would play a significant role in the valuation. Spending a large fee on a player approaching his late 20s raised questions about long-term resale value and the sustainability of such an investment.
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In contrast, Benjamin Šeško, at just 22, represented the opposite end of the spectrum: youth, potential, and the possibility of becoming a star for the next decade. However, RB Leipzig’s reported £73.7 million asking price created hesitation. Despite Šeško’s undeniable promise, Berta viewed the fee as excessive for a player who still lacks the consistent track record at the highest level to justify such a gamble.
This type of reasoning is why Berta has gained recognition across Europe. His ability to strip away the hype and evaluate players strictly on value, age profile, and long-term planning has made him one of the most respected figures in talent recruitment. While fans often crave marquee names, Berta operates with a colder, more strategic lens—prioritizing sustainable squad building over short-lived excitement.
Whether Arsenal ultimately decide to pursue Gyökeres, Šeško, or an entirely different target, Berta’s influence in these conversations underscores the critical balance between ambition and pragmatism in modern football.