Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta set new challenge after Andrea Berta transfer masterclass

If Arsenal are able to perform as well as Andrea Berta did in the transfer market - they're in for a stellar season. As the disappointment of yet another second-place Premier League finish and frustrating Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of PSG began to subside in May, club sources made no secret of the fact it would be a busy summer at the Emirates.

But few, besides ambitious sporting director Berta, would have envisaged eight glistening new arrivals. Where net spend figures are concerned, no top-flight club splashed more cash than Arsenal's club-record £257million.

The numbers are reflective of both the Kroenke family and the club's board of directors' unwavering faith in Mikel Arteta. However, there is now a strong argument that there is little margin for error this term.

When you consider the gloom of Manchester United's persistent, never-ending struggles, Arteta undoubtedly deserves credit for the rebuild he has overseen at the Emirates - even if he currently only has one FA Cup to show for it.

Italian chief Berta completed every task listed on his in tray and it is now difficult to identify a single flaw within Arsenal's near-perfect squad.

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They've already picked up injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Ben White and Christian Norgaard but this time around, they have the depth and personnel to cope with those absences. That is testament to Berta's extensive and impressive web of contacts, his relentless work ethic and execution.

The 53-year-old ensured Arsenal finally landed the marquee No.9 the squad has long craved in Viktor Gyokeres. It was a gruelling, tireless saga that eventually saw the Gunners sign the Swede for a fee, £63.5m, that was below the player's market value.

Martin Zubimendi appears a seamless fit at the base of midfield while Eberechi Eze has the creativity and stardust to unlock opposition defences when the going gets tough. Crucially, they have also retained the services of all key players.

The late capture of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, one of the world's most-promising centre-backs, capped a majestic window of dealings. It was also living proof the Arsenal hierarchy were prepared to go above and beyond to supplement Arteta's star-studded squad with extra quality.

The stipulation, of course, is that reigning champions Liverpool have twice smashed the British transfer record in landing Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak in a bullish show of intent. Make no mistake, there would be no shame in Arsenal missing out on major honours to Arne Slot's imperious Reds.

However, the currency top-level managers deal in is success and if Arteta's Gunners are to be remembered as a truly great side, they have to write their name into the history books and boast the silverware to show it.

Given Manchester City are no longer the irresistible, serial-winning machine they once were, there is a sense Arsenal are now facing a straight shootout with Liverpool for domestic superiority. It is a battle Arteta must not only navigate but win because the patience of supporters is wearing thin.

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