Arsenal have finally ended their four-month search for a new sporting director after appointing Andrea Berta, but before his arrival there was reportedly concern from other candidates that they wouldn't be given enough power
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Updated 19:02, 30 Mar 2025
Andrea Berta and Richard Garlick
There were reportedly concerns about Arsenal's sporting director role before Andrea Berta was appointed
(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC)
Arsenal's alternative candidates for sporting director had reservations over the job because they thought they would play a "supporting role" to manager Mikel Arteta, reports claim. The Gunners finally appointed Andrea Berta as the man who will oversee a huge transfer window this summer after weeks of speculation.
Berta was unveiled as sporting director on Sunday as a replacement for Edu, who left the club in November, and the Italian will get to work on bringing some much-needed quality to Arsenal's squad to help them challenge for titles.
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It's believed Berta will be seeking a new striker that Arsenal hope will fire them into title contention next season, while he has also been tasked with finding a new left winger and defensive midfielder - with reports claiming Arsenal are nearing a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.
His predecessor Edu took up a job with Nottingham Forest after seeking a more "expansive" role that would see him assume more responsibility and work on a more international level. Edu's resignation came as a surprise after a number of superb signings he had helped secure, including Declan Rice, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz.
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A manager traditionally reports to a sporting director in many football clubs around the world, but Arsenal's hierarchy is said to have placed Edu on the same level as Arteta. Candidates lined up to replace him were offered the same set-up, which caused some concern, according to the Athletic.
The report says that the individuals concerned were used to having more power in a relevent role at a football club, though they were still interested in taking the role despite their worries.
Other names who were understood to be in the frame for the job were former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, Edu's deputy Jason Ayto and Monaco chief Thiago Scuro.
Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta
Candidates were reportedly worried they would only play a "supporting role" to Mikel Arteta after Edu's exit in November
After taking the job, Berta said he was excited about the opportunity and intent on "shaping" the club's future by providing them with a successful team.
“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," he said. "I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."
Co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies. We were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out."
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