It is our understanding Arsenal came into the summer with two primary striker targets – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Well, there was a third – but the chances of securing Alexander Isak from Newcastle were deemed largely unrealistic.
A move for Slovenia international Sesko has substantial backing from key figures at the Emirates – including Arteta.
BBC Sport has learned the player’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, was invited to Arsenal’s final home game of the season against Newcastle as a guest of the club.
But a deal to sign Sesko has proved difficult. Sources have indicated there is still no agreement between the 22-year-old and Arsenal, let alone the two clubs.
Of course, a breakthrough could come at any moment – but the suggestion is that striking a deal for Sesko has proved significantly harder than expected.
Part of that may be down to changes towards the top of the club in recent months.
With the Gunners’ interest in Sesko well established, Basanovic is understood to have developed a strong relationship with former sporting directors Edu and Jason Ayto.
But with both gone and Berta leading the negotiations, those nurtured relationships are no longer relevant.
And there have been indications in recent days that Arsenal have focused attention on other targets.
The impasse with Sesko could, of course, be a strategic ploy from the Gunners to see if he will accept what to them would be more favourable terms.
Either way, Arsenal are understood to have made headway with a potential move for Gyokeres in recent days.
Significantly, the signing of the Sweden international is understood to have Berta’s backing.
Gyokeres was not a strong target for Arsenal prior to Berta’s arrival earlier this year, but he believes the 27-year-old could make an instant impact.
And the striker, who is at odds with Sporting over his valuation, is understood to be very keen to join Arsenal.
Should Arsenal sign Sesko or Gyokeres, it is likely to cost them in excess of £70m.
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal tried to sign in January, would be a cheaper option – allowing them to spend more elsewhere.
The 29-year-old is open to joining Arsenal – the club he supported as a boy – and it is understood that he and Gyokeres are the two players they have explored moves for in recent days.
