Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Andrea Berta has been identified as a leading candidate to replace Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director, and reports suggest he could use his Atletico Madrid connections to secure a proven Premier League forward for the Gunners this summer.
Arsenal are hopeful of finalising Edu’s successor later this month, with Jason Ayto currently serving in an interim capacity. However, Ayto came under fire for failing to make any signings during the January transfer window—a decision that backfired when Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury, leaving Mikel Arteta without a recognised striker for the remainder of the season.
With attacking reinforcements expected to be a priority in the summer, Berta—should he secure the role—could turn to Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes the Brazilian could be a key target given Berta’s previous links with him during their time at Atletico Madrid.
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Cunha has been one of Wolves’ standout performers this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League. He was heavily linked with a move in January but ended up signing a new contract that reportedly includes a £62.5 million release clause—a fee Arsenal could comfortably afford.
Arsenal - Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha (image credit: Getty Images)
“Berta knows Cunha from their time at Atletico Madrid, and it could be a deal that goes through,” Aliadiere toldAceOdds.com. “He’s having a great season in a team that’s fighting relegation. That shows you how good he is and how quickly he’s adapted to the Premier League. He could be a good signing too.”
On Berta’s potential appointment, Aliadiere added: “From what I was reading this morning, Andrea Berta seems to be the man in pole position at the moment. It looks like only small details remain, so he could be the new sporting director.
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“He has great experience, having been at Atletico Madrid for 12 years. If you look at the signings he has made and what the club has achieved, it is very exciting. You don’t work at Atletico alongside Diego Simeone if you’re not very good at your job.”
Jeremie Aliadiere
Former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere (Image credit: Getty Images)
Aliadiere believes Berta’s extensive network and experience in player recruitment could be a major asset for Arsenal.
“Hopefully, Berta’s good connections with the players he has signed in the past can help Arsenal. I think he would need to have a great relationship with Arteta, and that will be key to the club’s transfer strategy this summer.”
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