Arsenal are set to appoint Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, following Edu’s resignation from the role in November.
Berta, the former Atletico Madrid sporting director, will replace Edu, who left the club to oversee several clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis, including Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, and Rio Ave.
Berta spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid, initially joining the club as technical director in 2013 before being promoted to sporting director in 2017.
He left Atletico in January and is now poised to return to football with Arsenal.
According to a report from The Athletic, Berta reached an agreement with the Gunners after prioritising a move to the Emirates over other ‘top-level’ roles.
Arsenal considered multiple candidates for the role before settling on Berta.
Jason Ayto, who had been serving as interim sporting director following Edu’s departure, was also in the running, but the club opted for the more experienced Berta.
The report also reveals that Berta has been studying English in London in preparation for his new role.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, along with managing director Richard Garlick, executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, and co-chairman Josh Kroenke, were all involved in the appointment process.
The Lowdown Of Andrea Berta
Before his time at Atletico, Berta was the sporting director at Italian clubs Genoa, Parma, and AC Carpenedolo, following a career in banking.
Reports from Spain suggest Berta’s departure from Atletico was the result of a power struggle after the appointment of Carlos Bucero as the club’s new director of football.
After Berta’s exit, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed that Berta’s position would not be replaced, with Bucero assuming his responsibilities.
