Arsenal
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 7 March 2025 13:33, UK
Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Andrea Berta to take over as their new sporting director, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that talks have been held with Berta and several other candidates about the role, and the Italian is now the preferred candidate.
Berta is highly rated within the game and has had success in the transfer market having signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak during his time at Atletico Madrid.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Arsenal are in “very advanced” talks with Berta to finalise his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
His departure from Atletico Madrid in January after 12 years with the Spanish club has provided the Gunners with the opportunity to appoint him with no compensation fee.
Now, Arsenal are prepared to give the sporting director the tools to lead their summer transfer plans after an extremely disappointing January window.
Former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta
Andrea Berta is closing in on a move to Arsenal. (Credit: Imago)
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Arsenal to appoint Andrea Berta after Edu exit ‘nightmare’
Industry expert Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Mikel Arteta was angry at the Arsenal hierarchy following their January transfer failings and the departure of Edu.
The Gunners failed to complete a single incoming deal during the mid-season window despite a clear priority to sign attacking reinforcements.
Brown raised concerns that the departure of Edu as the club’s sporting director had a direct impact on the “nightmare” January window.
Edu left Arsenal in November, and is currently on gardening leave ahead of taking up a new role with Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Now, it appears Berta has been chosen to finally replace the outgoing director in what should be a huge boost to Arteta and Arsenal’s transfer plans.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is set to be handed a boost in the transfer market. (Credit: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta looking for Premier League success after Andrea Berta appointment
Berta is set to lead Arsenal’s plans to continue to close the gap to the elite clubs across Europe and to build upon the progress made by Arteta and Edu.
After back-to-back second-place finished in the Premier League, which are likely to be followed by a third, the Gunners are keen to make the jump to winning the competition.
The sporting director’s previous record of signing players who went on to become superstars in Madrid is an encouraging sign for Arsenal and their future.
His appointment will also call an end to the period of uncertainty at the Emirates following Edu’s departure and provide a clear direction and structure to their transfer plans.
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