Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has won plenty of admirers around north London after what was a high-stakes, ambitious first transfer window at his new club.
Mikel Arteta was backed with the signing of a new back-up keeper, two centre-backs, two proven centre-midfielders, a winger, a star number 10 and a prolific striker who scored 97 goals over 102 appearances at his last club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after Bukayo Saka scores their second goal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after Bukayo Saka scores their second goal
We are, of course, talking about Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres — who cost the Gunners a combined fee of over £250 million.
Arsenal's confirmed summer signings Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga £5m
Martin Zubimendi £60m
Christian Norgaard £15m
Noni Madueke £52m
Cristhian Mosquera £13m
Viktor Gyokeres £55m
Eberechi Eze £67.5m
Piero Hincapie Loan
While Arsenal haven't got off to a perfect Premier League start, losing their first game of the season against fellow serial spenders Liverpool last weekend, Berta's contingent of new arrivals is at least expected to help compete with Arne Slot's champions till the bitter end.
Arteta didn't have it all his own way when it comes to recruitment, and Berta was key to this.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that Berta helped to convince Arteta and other members of the Arsenal hierarchy to move for Gyokeres instead of Benjamin Sesko, owing to the 53-year-old's growing influence behind-closed-doors.
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Berta was also hesitant to pay Joan Garcia's £21 million release clause, despite him being a top target for Arteta personally — resulting in Arsenal signing Kepa instead for just £5 million as the former moved to Barcelona instead.
The Italian is a fascinating figurehead and has already made a significant mark at Arsenal, despite being there for just six months, with Berta also now looking to expand his own team of recruitment officials (The Athletic).
Berta was seriously praised for his handling of what was a difficult deal for Gyokeres too, and one which may well be crucial as Arsenal seek to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.
"Berta will get a lot of credit for the way he has handled the negotiations," said journalist Charles Watts.
“It hasn’t been easy because Sporting have understandably looked to play hardball, which is absolutely their right given how crucial a player Gyokeres has been for them over the past two years.
“But Berta has stayed patient and the deal he has struck is a good one. You can’t really argue with an initial fee of around £55 million for a striker with Gyokeres’ recent record."
Berta's reputation as a transfer guru has only intensified, and according to The Athletic's James McNicholas, he's even earned a nickname.
What insiders call Andrea Berta in scathing Arsenal nickname
According to the outlet, there is criticism surrounding Berta by some people, who narrow his skills as a sporting director solely down to transfers — without taking into account other responsibilities of the role.
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McNicholas reports that insiders have nicknamed Berta a "club agent" in a subtle dig towards him, but for the time being at Arsenal, is that really such a bad thing?
The former Atlético Madrid chief has done precisely what critics and supporters alike expected of him, and when the north Londoners needed it most following their disappointment of a 24/25 campaign.
Arteta, meanwhile, was impressed almost immediately after meeting Berta — even if the pair weren't always in total agreement on transfers this summer.
“You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding. And he's a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do," said the Arsenal boss.
“He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he's chosen to come to us. And now it's about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. And for him to start to do what he's already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”