Arsenal crank up the scouting machine as Berta sharpens the Gunners’ edge

If you thought Arsenal were easing into winter with their slippers on, think again. The Gunners’ recruitment team have been racking up air miles across the continent, running the rule over Real Betis midfielder Pablo García, Hoffenheim defender Bazoumana Touré and Eintracht Frankfurt livewire Jean‑Matteo Bahoya in recent weeks. All three fit a familiar brief: young, technical and developing within elite European systems.

Names in the notebook

García’s composure, Touré’s athletic edge and Bahoya’s burst — he’s been dubbed “turbo‑charged” in recent analysis — are exactly the sort of traits Arsenal like to log early. None of this screams a dash to the January tills, but it does say the club want a full picture before the market truly wakes up.

Madrid in the mix for Martín

It’s not just that trio, either. Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have dispatched scouts to watch Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martín, whose steady run of form in Spain has quietly prised open a few more doors. When two heavyweights are comparing notes on a young defender, you know he’s doing something right.

Scandinavia sweep

Closer to the Arctic Circle, Arsenal’s badge has been spotted up and down Scandinavia, with staff taking in games across multiple leagues. Internally, the region is seen as a smart value play — fertile ground for development, upside and sensible fees if you move at the right time.

Berta’s blueprint takes hold

The uptick isn’t random. Andrea Berta’s influence is growing across the scouting and data departments, knitting together the live reports with the model-driven work behind the scenes. Think fewer silos, more synthesis — exactly what a modern recruitment department should be.

Crucially, there’s no suggestion of immediate bids; this is groundwork — aligning the spreadsheets with the sight tests so Arsenal can pounce when the window opens and value finally appears.

What it means for January

Expect preparation over pyrotechnics. The profiles being tracked — García, Touré and Bahoya — suggest Arsenal are future-proofing key positions with players who can be developed, while keeping a close eye on Martín as a centre-back option should circumstances shift. For the supporters, it’s less about instant headlines and more about building the pipeline properly.

If you’re keeping an eye on the wider market and where values might move next, our guide to the best betting sites is a handy companion — but on the recruitment front, Arsenal’s message is clear: scouting is active, data is aligned, and Berta’s hand on the tiller is getting firmer.