Arsenal believe their new sporting director Andrea Berta pulled off a game-changing summer in his very first transfer window.
Andrea Berta stuns Arsenal
Andrea Berta’s debut window at Arsenal has quickly earned praises inside the Emirates. The Spanish sporting director arrived in March after leaving Atletico Madrid. He oversaw one of the most aggressive rebuilds the club has seen in years.
The north London side spent just shy of £255m on a blend of established names, and younger stars. Meanwhile, these changes allowed for the exits of key players as well. That cleared the pathway for newer faces to settle. Although, it wasn’t just the money they spent that wowed everyone, but the timing and balance of the moves.
The highlight came right at the end of the window when Arsenal finalised the transfer of Piero Hincapie. That deal, pushed through personally by Berta, is now being hailed as a masterstroke. That is especially after William Saliba’s recent injury left Arteta’s backline exposed.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Arsenal’s hierarchy were “absolutely delighted” with how their new man delivered under pressure. For Berta, this was the perfect way to announce himself in England after a glittering 12-year spell at Atletico. There he was behind deals for the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak and Rodri.
A rebuild with long-term vision
Berta didn’t just chase names, he built depth across the pitch. The Gunners now have genuine competition in nearly every position. All of these things show Berta is thinking about the long game not just plugging short-term holes. His history in Spain showed he can achieve a balance of youth and experience.
Arsenal have rightly been confident Berta can recreate that balance here in the PL. Provided Hincapie becomes the player they expect him to and the new signings settle in. So, this summer may likely be one of the smartest in the recent club history.
Author’s Opinion:
Andrea Berta has made his impact on the club and the Hincapie deal proves his eye for value. If his signings click, Arsenal might look back on this summer as the turning point in their chase for major trophies.