Arsenal has finally found its replacement for Edu Gaspar. According to widespread reports, Andrea Berta will be confirmed as the North London club’s new sporting director over the coming days with the 53-year-old filling a position that has been vacant since Edu departed at the end of 2024.
Berta has cultivated a reputation as one of the best soccer executives in Europe over a number of years. He has held roles at Parma, Genoa and Atletico Madrid and has particularly impressed in the latter job where the Italian was behind the capture of players such as Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match ... More between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal FC via Getty Images
With Berta as sporting director, Atletico Madrid won two Spanish titles and was established as a genuine force in European soccer. Berta worked alongside Diego Simeone to turn Atleti into more than the sum of its parts and the Italian will now be expected to do something similar for Arsenal. This is why the Premier League club has hired him.
Of course, Arsenal already has a platform for Berta to build on. Edu did good work to push the Gunners up the Premier League table to the point they can now realistically target the title. Berta’s job will be to held Arsenal take the final step. That task will start this summer when new signings can be made.
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It’s become clearer than ever this season that Arsenal needs a new centre forward. Someone who can provide a sharper cutting edge in front of goal. Someone who can make the difference in matches that otherwise the Gunners might drop points in. Manchester City has Erling Haaland. Newcastle United has Alexander Isak. Arsenal lack this sort of figure.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United during the Carabao Cup Final between ... More Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)Offside via Getty Images
Another central midfield could also be on the shopping list, particularly if Thomas Partey is to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. Martin Zubimendi has already been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and it’s easy to envisage how the Spanish international would fit into Mikel Arteta’s team.
Berta will need time to make his own imprint at the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal has made a statement of intent by luring the 53-year-old from Atletico Madrid. The Gunners needed an experienced operator to fill the role left by Edu and it appears they have found one. Berta’s vision for his new club surely features the Premier League trophy.