Arsenal’s summer transfer planning appears to have moved into a new phase after sporting director Andrea Berta travelled to Istanbul for what looks increasingly like more than a scouting trip.
Berta was present for Galatasaray’s commanding 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe this week, a result that moved the Turkish giants closer to the league title.
But the bigger detail came after the match.
According to Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük, Berta remained in Istanbul and is expected to hold meetings with Galatasaray officials.
That strongly suggests Arsenal are progressing conversations over potential summer business.
Andrea Berta Arsenal scouting focuses on Galatasaray talent
Galatasaray’s derby win offered Arsenal a high-level live scouting opportunity.
Several players stood out.
Barış Alper Yılmaz was among the most influential, scoring again and continuing a strong campaign that has established him as one of the club’s key attacking outlets.
The winger has now produced eight goals and 10 assists this season, numbers that underline both output and consistency.
His profile fits Arsenal’s needs.
Direct wide players capable of attacking space and rotating across the front line remain a clear area of focus.
Yunus Akgün also remains a player of interest.
The attacking midfielder has contributed six goals and nine assists this season and offers creativity between the lines, something Arsenal have increasingly valued in squad depth planning.
Barış Alper Yılmaz and Yunus Akgün fit Arsenal recruitment model
Arsenal’s recruitment under Mikel Arteta has largely focused on players entering their peak years while still offering long-term value.
At 25, both Yılmaz and Akgün fit that strategy.
| Stat (2025/26) | Barış Alper Yılmaz |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Chances Created | 41 |
| Successful Dribbles | 52 |
source: sofascore match data – 28 April 2026
Yılmaz’s directness and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas would add another attacking dimension.
Akgün’s technical creativity offers something different.
From Arsenal’s recent squad building, flexibility in attacking roles has become increasingly important, particularly with fixture congestion across multiple competitions.
That makes both names logical.
Other Galatasaray names less likely for Arsenal move
There were other notable performers.
Victor Osimhen remains the highest-profile name in the Galatasaray squad, but Arsenal’s striker investment in Viktor Gyökeres last summer makes another major centre-forward move unlikely.
Leroy Sané also carries Premier League pedigree, but no serious link has emerged.
Defensive options like Abdulkerim Bardakcı and Uğurcan Çakır have performed strongly, but both sit outside Arsenal’s typical age profile for long-term investment.
That narrows the focus.
Interestingly, former Arsenal midfielders Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi featured in the match, though neither is expected to be revisited as a transfer option.
What Andrea Berta staying in Istanbul really means
Berta staying behind for meetings is the strongest signal.
Scouting trips happen constantly. Extended talks with club officials usually point to something more advanced, even if only exploratory.
That does not mean Arsenal are about to sign someone. But it does suggest groundwork is being laid early.
Galatasaray’s title push only strengthens their negotiating position, meaning Arsenal may be trying to establish conditions before the wider market heats up.
That timing matters.
Key insights
- Andrea Berta attended Galatasaray’s derby win over Fenerbahçe
- Arsenal’s sporting director stayed in Istanbul for meetings
- Barış Alper Yılmaz and Yunus Akgün fit Arsenal’s profile
- Arsenal appear to be advancing early summer groundwork
- Formal negotiations may still be in early stages
What’s next
Arsenal are expected to continue their early summer planning over the coming weeks, with Berta leading much of the groundwork ahead of the transfer window opening. Further talks with Galatasaray could clarify whether one of their attacking players becomes a priority target.
Much will depend on Arsenal’s broader attacking plans and outgoing business.
But the interest looks genuine.
Would Barış Alper Yılmaz or Yunus Akgün be the better fit for Arsenal next season?
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