Arsenal has found a new sporting director. The Italian Andrea Berta will be responsible for assembling the squad in London following the departure of Edu Gaspar in November. Berta worked at Atlético Madrid until the beginning of this year.
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Arsenal has made a significant move in its front-office structure by securing Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director.
The Italian executive, who has long been regarded as one of the most astute dealmakers in European football, will step into the role following the departure of Edu Gaspar in November. According to The Athletic, Berta was at the top of Arsenal’s wishlist and had multiple offers from elite clubs across Europe, yet he chose to join Mikel Arteta’s side as they continue their quest for Premier League and Champions League success. His decision to accept the role at Arsenal highlights the club’s growing appeal and ambition, as well as the trust placed in its long-term vision.
The appointment of Berta is seen as a crucial step in Arsenal’s continued evolution under Arteta. The club has made remarkable progress in recent years, re-establishing itself as a serious contender in English football. However, to compete consistently at the highest level, having an elite sporting director with a proven track record of squad building is essential. Berta will take over the responsibilities from Jason Ayto, who had been handling the sporting director duties on an interim basis after Gaspar’s sudden exit late last year. His arrival is expected to bring stability and a clear direction to the club’s transfer policy, ensuring that Arsenal can strengthen its squad with high-quality additions while also managing player contracts and negotiations effectively.
Berta joins Arsenal with an impressive track record, having spent over a decade at Atlético Madrid. He initially joined the Spanish club in 2013 as a technical director before being promoted to sporting director in 2017. During his tenure, Atlético Madrid became one of Europe’s most competitive teams, consistently challenging Real Madrid and Barcelona while also being a strong force in the Champions League. His influence on the club’s recruitment strategy was immense, playing a key role in assembling squads that won multiple trophies, including La Liga in the 2020-21 season. His ability to identify and secure top talents while also generating significant profits from player sales has made him one of the most respected sporting directors in world football.
One of Berta’s greatest strengths is his talent for executing intelligent recruitment strategies and high-value player transactions. At Atlético Madrid, he played a major role in signing key players such as Jan Oblak, João Félix, and Thomas Lemar, while also facilitating blockbuster transfers like Antoine Griezmann’s €120 million move to Barcelona and Rodri’s transfer to Manchester City for over €60 million. His ability to balance investment with financial sustainability has been instrumental in keeping Atlético Madrid competitive despite not having the financial resources of some of Europe’s wealthiest clubs. His experience in managing high-profile negotiations and working with some of the best managers in the game, particularly Diego Simeone, has helped him build a reputation as one of the smartest operators in the football industry.
According to The Athletic, it is only a matter of time before Berta finalizes his contract with Arsenal. He had already been preparing for a move to London since early January and was even taking English lessons to ensure a smooth transition. His decision to join Arsenal marks a significant moment for the club, as his expertise could be key in shaping the squad’s future. Arsenal has been increasingly active in the transfer market in recent years, and with Berta’s arrival, the club is expected to refine its recruitment approach even further, focusing on securing elite talents while maintaining financial discipline.
Berta’s arrival also comes at a crucial time for Arsenal’s squad planning, with the summer transfer window approaching. The club is likely to be active in strengthening key areas, and having a sporting director of his caliber could give them a major advantage in negotiations. His deep knowledge of the European transfer market, extensive network, and understanding of long-term squad building will be crucial in helping Arsenal compete with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, who are constantly strengthening their squads. His track record suggests that Arsenal could benefit from both strategic signings and well-executed player sales, ensuring that the squad remains balanced and competitive in the years to come.
Before his successful tenure at Atlético Madrid, Berta gained experience in Italian football, working at AC Carpendolo, Parma, and Genoa. His rise through the ranks has been marked by a sharp eye for talent and an in-depth understanding of the football market, qualities that have made him one of the most sought-after executives in European football. At Arsenal, he will be expected to implement a structured and sustainable recruitment strategy, ensuring that the club can continue to challenge for major honors while maintaining long-term financial stability.
His appointment is also a statement of intent from Arsenal’s ownership, demonstrating their commitment to bringing in top-level professionals to enhance the club’s football operations. As Arsenal continues to build on its resurgence under Arteta, the addition of Berta could prove to be a defining moment in the club’s journey back to the pinnacle of European football. His ability to secure top talents, negotiate complex transfers, and build squads capable of competing for major titles will be instrumental in shaping Arsenal’s future.
