Arsenal Chief Andrea Berta Scouts Victor Osimhen and Two Other Targets in Galatasaray Derby Win

Arsenal’s summer planning is beginning to gather serious momentum, and one of the clearest signs arrived in Istanbul. While supporters focus on the final weeks of the current campaign, those behind the scenes are already looking ahead. Recruitment meetings, shortlist updates and live scouting missions are now in full swing.

That is why the presence of Arsenal chief Andrea Berta at Galatasaray’s derby victory over Fenerbahce has attracted so much attention.

The newly appointed sporting director was in the stands for one of Turkish football’s biggest fixtures, watching Galatasaray deliver an emphatic 3-0 win. But the scoreline was only part of the story. According to reports, Berta’s visit centred around three names in particular: Victor Osimhen, Baris Alper Yilmaz and goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

It was a reminder that Arsenal’s ambitions are no longer limited to one marquee signing. The club appear to be building for depth, flexibility and another push at major honours.

Arsenal Chief Andrea Berta Scouts Victor Osimhen in Istanbul

The headline name linked to Berta’s trip was Victor Osimhen.

That alone makes sense. Elite strikers remain the most expensive and difficult profiles to secure in modern football, and Arsenal have long been associated with strengthening in that position. Even after major spending elsewhere, there is still a belief that Mikel Arteta wants another forward capable of changing games through power, movement and ruthless finishing.

Osimhen offers exactly that.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in Galatasaray’s derby win, adding another high-pressure goal to a growing body of work since his move from Napoli. He has adapted quickly to Turkish football and remains one of the most feared centre-forwards outside Europe’s top five leagues.

Arsenal would not be signing potential here. They would be signing proven impact.

What makes Osimhen especially attractive is variety. Arsenal already have technical forwards who combine well between the lines. Osimhen would bring a different threat — direct running behind defences, aerial strength, penalty-box aggression and the ability to turn half-chances into goals.

Those qualities can decide titles.

Why Victor Osimhen Fits Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal

Arteta has gradually built a side that controls territory, presses intensely and dominates possession against most opponents. The next challenge is often solving deep defensive blocks and winning matches when control alone is not enough.

That is where a striker like Osimhen becomes valuable.

He can attack crosses, occupy centre-backs physically and create danger even when Arsenal are not at their sharpest creatively. Some games require intricate combinations. Others require chaos in the box.

Osimhen thrives in the second category.

He also stretches defensive lines with constant movement, something that could create more room for Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Arsenal’s attacking midfield runners.

If the Gunners are serious about adding layers to their attack, it is easy to understand why Berta would want a close look in person.

Arsenal Chief Andrea Berta Scouts More Than One Name

The most interesting part of the scouting trip may be that Osimhen was not the only focus.

Modern recruitment departments rarely travel for one player alone, especially during major fixtures. High-level games offer a chance to watch multiple targets under pressure, in a hostile atmosphere, against strong opposition.

That appears to have been the case here.

Berta was also reportedly monitoring Baris Alper Yilmaz, one of the most intriguing Turkish players in recent seasons.

Baris Alper Yilmaz Could Be a Smart Arsenal Addition

Not every transfer window is about superstars. Smart squad-building often depends on versatile players who can cover several roles without lowering standards.

Yilmaz fits that description.

The 25-year-old has developed into a key figure for Galatasaray thanks to his athleticism, work rate and tactical flexibility. He can operate wide on either flank, play through the middle and has even filled defensive roles when required.

Managers love players like that.

For Arteta, who places huge value on structure, pressing discipline and adaptability, Yilmaz could be an appealing option. Arsenal’s wide areas already have quality, but long seasons demand rotation, injury cover and players comfortable in multiple systems.

Yilmaz also brings intensity, something Arteta consistently prioritises.

He may not arrive with the global profile of Osimhen, but deals of this type often become quietly important.

Ugurcan Cakir and Arsenal’s Goalkeeping Depth

The third reported target, Ugurcan Cakir, points toward Arsenal thinking beyond obvious needs.

At first glance, goalkeeper may not look urgent. David Raya has impressed, and the club already possess competition in the position. But elite clubs plan two or three windows ahead, not one.

Cakir has built a strong reputation through commanding performances, sharp reflexes and big-game temperament. His recent displays in European competition have only increased attention around him.

Goalkeeping depth matters more than ever.

Long campaigns involve domestic cups, European football, injuries and rotation demands. Clubs chasing multiple trophies cannot afford a dramatic drop in quality when changes are required.

If Arsenal believe Cakir can compete now and potentially grow into more later, the interest is logical.

It also signals a club thinking like a modern heavyweight — every position reviewed, every margin explored.

Andrea Berta’s Influence Already Visible

Berta’s presence itself is significant.

The former Atletico Madrid executive earned a reputation for balancing high-profile signings with smart market opportunities. His arrival suggested Arsenal wanted sharper decision-making and broader recruitment reach.

Trips like this reinforce that message.

Rather than relying only on reports and analytics, Berta appears willing to watch players live in emotionally charged environments. A derby tells scouts things data cannot fully show — temperament, reaction to pressure, body language, competitive edge.

How does a striker behave when space is limited?
How does a winger defend when his team lose momentum?
How does a goalkeeper command chaos?

Those details matter.

Arsenal are entering a phase where good signings are no longer enough. They need the right signings.

Competition for Arsenal Targets Will Be Fierce

If Arsenal do move for any of these players, they are unlikely to have a clear run.

Osimhen has long attracted interest across Europe. Clubs seeking future replacements for ageing strikers will naturally monitor him. His profile guarantees competition.

Cakir has also been linked elsewhere, while standout Turkish internationals increasingly attract Premier League and Bundesliga attention.

That means timing becomes crucial.

The best recruitment teams often move before a market becomes crowded. Delay too long, and prices rise or rivals step in.

Berta knows that from years at the top level.

What This Means for Arsenal’s Summer Window

This scouting mission suggests Arsenal’s summer may be broader than many assumed.

Rather than one statement transfer followed by minor additions, the club could be planning upgrades across several areas:

• A striker with elite finishing presence
• A flexible wide attacker
• Goalkeeping competition and long-term planning
• More squad depth for another title challenge

That would reflect where Arsenal now stand.

They are no longer rebuilding from scratch. They are refining a contender.

At that stage, details matter more than headlines.

Arsenal Chief Andrea Berta Scouts Victor Osimhen With Clear Intent

Whether any of these names arrive remains to be seen. Scouting trips do not guarantee transfers, and plenty of targets are monitored without formal bids.

But the message from Istanbul is clear.

Arsenal are active, ambitious and planning aggressively.

Andrea Berta did not travel to one of Europe’s fiercest derbies for sightseeing. He went because Arsenal believe the next step requires fresh quality and smarter depth.

Victor Osimhen may be the headline name. Baris Alper Yilmaz and Ugurcan Cakir may be quieter options. Yet together they reveal something bigger.

Arsenal are shopping like a club determined not just to compete again next season — but to win.