Andrea Berta has become Arsenal's new transfer chief and the Italian has now been handed his first major task since arriving at the Gunners from Atletico Madrid
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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Andrea Berta, Sporting Director of Arsenal, applauds in the stand prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Andrea Berta has been told what his first job as Arsenal sporting director should be
(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta has been told his first task is to convince William Saliba his future is with the Gunners.
Berta was appointed as the Gunners' new transfer chief earlier this week, becoming the permanent replacement for Edu, who left in November.
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Saliba has become a key man for Mikel Arteta's men over the past few years. He has developed a solid partnership with Gabriel, with the duo widely regarded as one of the best central defensive pairings in the Premier League.
But the Frenchman has only two years to run on his contract, with Real Madrid growing interested in signing him. Former Gunners star Mikael Silvestre is concerned that Madrid could make a move next summer if Saliba's contract situation is not sorted out.
But Silvestre believes that a charm offensive will be needed to convince Saliba that the Emirates is the best place for him. And the former Arsenal man has urged Berta to get to work straight away.
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"It’s important to listen to what the plans are from the manager, from the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, coming in. It's really important because it's a short career," he told 10Bet.
"Saliba is playing for France, and he wants to get titles at the club level. So definitely it's important for him to make the right choice. It's a good position for him to be in. I mean, he can't make demands or get guarantees.
"But at least he needs to know the willingness and the desire of the management to push for the title. It will be his decision whether or not he's committing more and more years to Arsenal.
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William Saliba on the pitch applauding fans
Berta has been urged to launch a charm offensive on William Saliba(Image: Getty Images)
"There’s no doubt that he is one of the top CBs in the world and plenty of club’s would love to take him. For him to stay at Arsenal, he has to be convinced by the vision of the club and the project. He needs to believe that he can win the major prizes playing for Arsenal."
Berta most recently spent 12 years with Atletico Madrid, helping them to win two La Liga titles, the Europa League and the Copa del Rey. It is a run of success he is hoping to replicate in his new job.
“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club. I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years," Berta said following his appointment.
"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.
"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.”
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