Arsenal appoint Andrea Berta as sporting director, fills vacant role left by Edu after November resignation

Arsenal has announced the appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sports director of the club, and takes on the role. Edu’s surprise resign in November.

A long -term and competitive recruitment process led to the Gunners who asked for Berta, formerly from Atletico Madrid, after conversations with various other leading candidates from all over Europe. Dan Ashworth, recently left in Manchester United, was taken into consideration, while Thiago Scuro from Monaco and Roberto Olabe were explored in Real Sociedad. According to CBS sports sources Berta and Jason Ayto, the deputy sports director who had served the interim replacement of EDU were, two of the leading contenders. In the end it was the man from outside Arsenal who won.

Berta brings a wealth of experience in the role. After working earlier at Italian clubs Carpedolo, Parma and Genoa, he spent almost 12 years with Atletico Madrid, where two La Liga titles were won with a budget considerably less than that of Rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. The man who helped to bring Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak to the Spanish capital is expected to lead a similar successful football department in North Londs.

“I am very happy to become a member of Arsenal in what is a very exciting period for the club,” said Berta. “I watched with great interest as Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that the club has recovered as an important force in European football with a passionate supporters around the world.

“The club has great values ​​and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my role in shaping a successful future with a great team. I can’t wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game in Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”

The recruitment process of Arsenal for this extremely important role was led by Richard Garlick, the newly appointed CEO that was promoted after Vinai Venkatesham had left in the summer. Berta is expected to collaborate with Mikel Arteta instead of having the first team manager report to him, the same operating mode That Edu had. The last choice would have been Josh Kroenke’s to make and the co-chairman believes that Berta will help the aim of Arsenal to large silverware.

“Everyone who knows football knows that Andrea is an impressive figure,” said Kroenke. “He has enormous knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable wish to build winning teams. Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values ​​and what we stand for and we do not doubt that he will help us continue and take the next steps in our attempt to win big trophies.

“We have undertaken a thorough recruitment process and we were very impressed by the level of all other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he enjoyed it. We are really looking forward to working together and welcome him in the Arsenal family.”

Berta arrives at an important moment in the recent history of Arsenal. Injuries derailed their swing at the Premier League title and this is expected to be a summer of important recruitment, especially on the Spitsmarkt. Alexander Isak seems to be the dream acquisition in N5, while interest in Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig remains. In midfield, it is expected that Martin Zubimendi will arrive from Real Sociedad, while further reinforcement may be needed on the flanks. Then there are contractual matters to tackle: William Saliba, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are all approaching the last two years of their deals with the club, although it has an option to expand.