Arsenal are set to strengthen their football operations further with Granada sporting director Javier Alonso expected to join Andrea Berta’s technical team.
The move would see Alonso leave the Spanish club after just over two years and reunite with Berta, whom he previously worked alongside during a successful spell at Atletico Madrid.
As Arsenal continue preparations for the new season, significant work is also taking place behind the scenes as the club looks to build on its Premier League title-winning campaign.
Alonso has emerged as the latest figure set to arrive at the Emirates as part of the ongoing restructuring of Arsenal’s football operations department.
The Spaniard spent five years working with Berta at Atletico Madrid between 2016 and 2021, operating as an international scout and helping identify talent across several markets.
That previous working relationship is believed to have played a major role in Arsenal’s pursuit of Alonso.
Following his departure from Atletico, Alonso continued his career in Spain and was appointed sporting director of Granada in January 2024.
Before his time in Madrid, he also gained experience in Italy with Sassuolo after beginning his football career in the academy system at Sporting Gijon.
While Arsenal have yet to confirm the appointment officially, Alonso is expected to become part of the recruitment structure being assembled by Berta.
His precise responsibilities have not yet been disclosed.
However, Alonso is expected to play a role within Arsenal’s scouting and player identification network, which continues to expand under the club’s new leadership team.
The Gunners already operate an extensive global scouting system tasked with monitoring emerging talents and established players across multiple markets.
Alonso’s experience in Spain and his long-standing relationship with Berta could prove particularly valuable as Arsenal continue to search for opportunities throughout Europe.
His expected arrival comes during a period of considerable change behind the scenes at the club.
Several senior figures have departed in recent years as Arsenal reshape their football operations and build a structure designed to support long-term success.
The club are also making changes within the medical and performance departments this summer.
Rehabilitation specialist Eneko Angulo is expected to arrive from Real Betis, while further additions are anticipated as Arsenal continue reviewing several areas of the organisation.
Although transfer activity naturally dominates headlines during the summer window, Arsenal’s work away from the pitch remains equally important.
The expected addition of Alonso represents another move aimed at strengthening the foundations around Mikel Arteta and ensuring the club remains competitive at the highest level for years to come.
With Berta continuing to assemble his preferred team, Arsenal’s rebuilding project behind the scenes shows no sign of slowing down.