Andrea Berta is set to arrive in the UK ahead of next week as Arsenal finalize his appointment as their new sporting director.
The Italian executive has been in advanced talks to succeed Edu, who departed the Emirates Stadium in late 2024. Jason Ayto, Edu’s former deputy, was appointed interim sporting director and was a strong contender for the permanent role. Other candidates included Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe and former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth.
However, Arsenal have opted for Berta, and preparations for an official announcement are underway. The 53-year-old is expected to arrive in North London within the next 72 hours to formally assume his new role. There is also hope he will be in attendance for Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday.
Berta arrives with a reputation as one of the most accomplished sporting directors in European football. His career includes roles at Italian clubs Parma and Genoa before he joined Atlético Madrid as a technical director in 2013.
During his tenure in the Spanish capital, Berta played a crucial role in shaping Atlético’s squad, overseeing the acquisitions of Rodri, Antoine Griezmann, and Jan Oblak.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague describes Berta as a unique figure in football operations.
“He had no professional playing career, started out in banking, and only entered football later, first with amateur club Carpenedolo, then at Parma and Genoa, where he built key relationships with Peter Kenyon and Jorge Mendes,” Balague told BBC Sport.
Under Berta’s leadership, Atlético won two La Liga titles (2013-14, 2020-21), a Copa del Rey (2013), a Europa League (2017-18), and a UEFA Super Cup (2018). He played a vital role in reconstructing the squad following the decline of Atlético’s 2014 title-winning side.
Working closely with manager Diego Simeone, Berta facilitated a number of shrewd acquisitions. Griezmann, signed for £24.8m in 2014, was sold to Barcelona for £103m five years later before being re-signed in 2021 for just £16.5m. Spain midfielder Rodri, now a Ballon d’Or contender, was acquired for £16.5m in 2018 and sold to Manchester City the following year for £62.5m. Oblak, widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, arrived from Benfica in 2014 for just £13m.
More recently, Berta orchestrated the signing of Julian Álvarez from Manchester City for £81.5m last summer. The Argentine forward has since netted 23 goals for Atlético this season.
“He was responsible for key signings like Griezmann (twice), Luis Suárez, Kieran Trippier, Marcos Llorente, Rodrigo De Paul, and Julian Álvarez,” Balague added. “Of course, not every transfer was a success—João Félix, Nikola Kalinić, Santiago Arias, and Lucas Torreira didn’t work out—but Berta consistently operated within the club’s financial constraints.”
Since 2017, Berta oversaw 52 signings, spending approximately €828m (£692m), leaving a significant mark on Atlético’s squad. His departure signals the end of an era for the club.
One of Berta’s immediate priorities will be addressing Arsenal’s long-standing need for a prolific striker. Despite key injuries to attacking players, the Gunners have gone two consecutive transfer windows without reinforcing their forward line.
Kai Havertz has performed admirably in a makeshift attacking role, but Arsenal’s lack of a natural goal-scorer has been evident at times. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has been on the club’s radar, while Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is also linked with a move to North London. However, with Newcastle pushing for a Champions League spot, negotiating for Isak could prove costly and complicated.
Additionally, Arsenal may look to recruit a creative player capable of unlocking stubborn defenses, particularly against deep-lying opposition in the Premier League.
Berta will also oversee crucial contract negotiations. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães are all entering the final two years of their deals, making their renewals a top priority. Retaining these cornerstone players will be essential for Mikel Arteta to build upon Arsenal’s recent progress.
The summer will also see Berta managing outgoings, with Arsenal needing to trim the squad. Oleksandr Zinchenko has fallen down the pecking order following the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, and the club was open to selling him in January if the right offer arrived.
Berta inherits an exciting yet high-stakes project at Arsenal. The Gunners have re-established themselves as genuine title contenders and European challengers, but with expectations growing, this summer’s transfer window is one they cannot afford to get wrong.
His track record suggests he is up to the challenge. Now, Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Berta shapes the club’s future.
