Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta Plots Massive £129m Summer Defensive Overhaul Targeting Tino Livramento and Castello Lukeba

Arsenal eyes a massive summer overhaul with Tino Livramento and Castello Lukeba identified as key targets to bolster Mikel Arteta's Premier League leading squad.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:15 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Strategic Blueprint for a Summer Refresh

Despite a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League title race, Arsenal’s leadership is already finalizing plans for another significant squad evolution. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly spearheading a "big summer refresh" aimed at sustaining the club’s newfound dominance in English football. Having integrated eight senior signings last year, including Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, the North London side is now turning its attention toward high-potential defensive reinforcements to ensure long-term stability and tactical flexibility under Mikel Arteta.

Targeting a Premier League Standout from Newcastle

The primary focus of this upcoming recruitment drive appears to be Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento. According to reports from The Times, Arsenal has identified the England international as a concrete target to potentially replace Ben White, who is reportedly considering a move to secure more consistent starting minutes. Livramento’s ability to operate effectively on both the left and right sides of the defense makes him a highly coveted asset. Newcastle is rumored to be holding out for a valuation of approximately £60 million for the young defender, who is also attracting interest from Manchester City.

Triggering the Release Clause for French Talent

Parallel to the pursuit of Livramento, Arsenal has made contact with RB Leipzig regarding the availability of center-half Castello Lukeba. The 23-year-old French defender is expected to have an €80 million release clause active this summer, making him an accessible, albeit expensive, target for Europe’s elite. While several Premier League giants—including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea—have reportedly spoken with Lukeba’s representatives, Arsenal appears to be positioned at the forefront of the race as they look to build on their already formidable central defensive partnership.