Arsenal have had an incredible summer transfer window, and it’s all thanks to Andrea Berta.
The Gunners have had good windows under Edu Gaspar in the past, but what we’ve seen so far this summer has been unprecedented.
Arsenal have made seven new signings already, and a deal is in place for Piero Hincapie to become the eighth arrival this summer.
Berta has become a hero to Arsenal fans, but his appointment in March surprised many in the English game.
What Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is really like
Andrea Berta gave up a career in banking for a job in football over two decades ago.
The 53-year-old started his career at Carpenedolo before landing jobs at Parma and Genoa in the Serie A. Then, he went to Atletico Madrid and created history there.
Arsenal were linked with several names to replace Edu following his resignation in November, and after considering all the options, the Kroenkes picked Berta.
That has proved to be a brilliant decision.
Andrea Berta and Tim Lewis in conversation during an Arsenal game
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
When asked by the Daily Mail who Berta is, an unnamed executive from a rival Premier League club said: “He gets s— done. He doesn’t mess about. He makes things happen.
“It was an appointment that surprised a lot of us because there are no airs or graces with Andrea. He’s not a very Arsenal person, and I mean that in a good way.”
An agent who has worked with Berta said when asked about him: “His network is vast. He’s studious and, at times, he is a typical, fiery Italian. He has the banking background and is big on numbers and analytics, but he can also be quite good fun.
“He has a disarming smile and, despite the fact it’s often a high-pressure situation with serious money involved, you can have a bit of a laugh with him.”
Andrea Berta looks on prior to a match between Southampton vs Arsenal
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Andrea Berta was given a nickname in Spain – Arsenal fans will agree with it
Berta is not someone who appears in regular interviews or gives his plans away, but what is clear is that he is absolutely incredible at his job.
Seven new signings – another one incoming – is beyond what any Arsenal fan would’ve dreamed of at the start of the window.
The report claims that the Arsenal director was nicknamed ‘Milagroso Berta’ during his time in Spain. That translates to ‘Miraculous Berta’, and we’re sure Gunners fans will fully agree with that.
With two days left in the window, Arsenal’s focus is on outgoings. It remains to be seen what Berta can do on that front.