Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly playing a key role in the Gunners' pursuit of key transfer targets.

Andrea Berta and Arteta, much like the Spaniard's relationship with previous sporting director Edu, are set to work together on the club's recruitment drive this summer, as both men look to significantly reinforce the Arsenal squad.

This will be vital ahead of another Premier League title challenge, and Arteta is known to have a major say about whoever Arsenal look to sign in any given transfer window.

According to reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips this week, Arteta has played an active role in attempting to convince Noni Madueke to join Arsenal.

"Arsenal are currently in talks with his agents trying to convince him about a move, and we have also heard that Mikel Arteta is reaching out to him as well, because he really likes the player," said Phillips, via his Substack.

"Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Chelsea but they are looking to get player buy in first, as Chelsea do themselves. At the moment, Arsenal are still pushing on the player side. We will have to see what happens there and what other clubs come in."

Interestingly, Madueke isn't the only player who Arteta's spoken with.

According to CaughtOffside, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has also held conversations with Arsenal's manager about a move to N5.

Viktor Gyokeres 'verbally agrees' Arsenal contract after Arteta talks

Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri reported in the last few days that Gyokeres has agreed terms on a five-year Arsenal contract, and CaughtOffside appear to back this up in a further piece of information.

The outlet reports that Gyokeres has 'finalised a verbal agreement' on a £192,000-per-week contract with Arsenal, and the striker's decision to prioritise a move to north London was 'heavily influenced' by talks with Arteta.

The 27-year-old has even snubbed mega-money salary offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of the Emirates, with CaughtOffside sharing an alleged message he's communicated to Sporting president Frederico Varandas - 'my priority is Arsenal’.

Arteta was crying out for Gyokeres' proficiency in front of goal last season, and it appears the tactician is now taking matters into his own hands.

The Sweden international's 54 goals in all competitions across 2024/2025 highlight exactly why Arteta is so reportedly keen, and there is a serious case to be made that Gyokeres could be the final missing piece of Arsenal's jigsaw.

“He [Gyokeres] could be an option, 100 per cent. He is an extraordinary striker," said ex-Arsenal star and Como boss Cesc Fàbregas to Amazon Prime recently.

"He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is as an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”