Arsenal missed out on Monga and Page as Berta's negotiation style bypassed Leicester directly

Arsenal’s pursuit of two Leicester City youngsters collapsed this summer after sporting director Andrea Berta’s preference for negotiating through intermediaries — rather than directly with the selling club — left deals unfinished, according to BBC Sport.

Jeremy Monga and Louis Page had both attracted strong interest from Arsenal as part of a broader youth recruitment drive at the Emirates. Berta, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid, has previously used the same intermediary-led approach — most notably in the deal that brought Bruno Guimarães to Newcastle — but on this occasion the absence of direct club-to-club contact was cited as a key reason the moves broke down.

Monga ultimately moved to Manchester City for £12m and has since joined Championship side Swansea City on a season-long loan. Page, who attracted late interest from Manchester United, chose to remain at Leicester.

The failed bids did not prevent Arsenal from completing a significant window elsewhere. The Gunners have already brought in Igor Tyjon from Blackburn Rovers, James Scanlon from Manchester United, Cardiff City prospect Axel Donczew, and Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili, with the club’s total outlay approaching £200m.

Manager Mikel Arteta struck a measured tone when asked about deals that did not materialise. “I think every moment, every situation is different,” he said. “Sometimes we need to react because something unexpected happens as well, and you need to be prepared for that.”

Arteta was equally measured on whether the window had delivered everything he wanted. “The window is closed and I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in this squad and not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now,” he said. “Yeah, 100% ticked. The outcome after can be different to what you expect, but the intention is certainly there, which is, in my opinion, what I value the most.”