How to read this story
Football
Sports Report
United Kingdom / African Diaspora
Performance, competition, community identity and sports economy
Berta named Arsenal new Sporting Director as he steps in to replace departed Edu
Arsenal season, yet again, has been hampered by the sudden departure of their Sporting Director and legend, Jasper Edu.
A few days ago, Arsenal fan base was thrown into joy following the announcement of their new Sporting Director Andrea Berta.
The Italian, who was with Atletico Madrid, left the same role in January after more than a decade with the Spanish side.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
After days of speculations and rumours, Berta was eventually confirmed as the new Arsenal’s Sporting Director and he is set to work with the Arsenal coaching department and board to prepare the team for next season.
In a chat, the 53 years old said offer to work at Arsenal was too tempting which no sane person would turn down as it offers him the chance to stay in North London and Win the Premier League.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
In recent months, after the departure of Edu, Arsenal had held numbers of interviews with candidates, but Berta became the outstanding one considered for the vacant role.
Andrea Berta became available since January after spending twelve years at Atletico Madrid, was touting himself at a host of premier League clubs as he appeared to having taken English lessons in London.
Arsenal were without a Sporting Director since November 2024 when Edu left the role. Following thorough discussions and interviews, Berta appealed to the Gunners and was appointed to replace Edu.
Berta, who has been touted as the key figure in Atletico’s success in recent years, is a transfer maestro who has been able to pull off some astonishing signings for the Spanish Club.
Across Europe, he has been regarded, not just for his ability to spot and sign raw talent, but also for his ability to make significant profit off players’ sales and outperform his rivals with larger resources.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
“Andrea Berta arrives from Atletico Madrid with an exciting reputation for Arsenal supporters in the transfer market. He also has a ringing endorsement from those he has done deals with, praised for his meticulous approach but also the way he conducts business.
“The man who signed Rodri, Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak in bargain deals – and sold two of those three on at a substantial profit-will be expected to live up to that billing in north London.
Antoine Griezmann was signed from Real Sociedad in 2014, by Berta, and since then, has become largely instrumental in Atletico’s success for more than a decade ago.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
“The pressure will be on to deliver a summer window which brings an out-and-out No 9 and a midfield refresh to allow Mikel Arteta’s team to take the final step in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
“Edu, Berta’s predecessor, overhauled the club with Arteta during his five-year spell at the helm.
“Now, with a talented young squad, including a depth of defensive options, the finishing touches need to be applied to turn Arsenal into champions.
Andrea Berta was also instrumental in Atletico Madrid signing Kieran Trippier from Tottenham in 2021 for £20m.
“Those missing pieces won’t be easy to find, with the striker market limited and expensive, and rivals also on the lookout for a ball-playing No 6.
“The latter will be a key position to address should Jorginho and Thomas Partey leave at the end of their current contracts, as expected.
“A back-up in goal for David Raya, with Neto only on loan from Bournemouth, will also be a requirement.
“There will also be internal contracts to juggle, with star players Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes having just two years on their current terms by this summer, and youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri pushing to be rewarded for their impressive performances this season.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
Miguel Delaney, chief football writer at The Independent, takes a closer look at Edu’s exit at Arsenal and what it may mean for Mikel Arteta
“A source who has worked with Berta believes he will prove to be a shrewd appointment for Arsenal.
“If he can replicate his title-winning project at Atletico with the Gunners, his acquisition could be one of their best signings of all.”
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
Below are a list of Players purchased by Andrea Berta at Atletico Madrid.
- Antoine Griezmann – signed from Real Sociedad for £24.8m in 2014.
- Sold to Barcelona in 2019 for £103m. Bought back in 2021 for £16.5m.
- Rodri – signed from Villarreal for £16.5m in 2018 and then sold to
- Manchester City in 2019 for £62.5m.
- Luis Suarez – signed from Barcelona in 2020 for £5.5m.
- Jan Oblak – signed from Benfica in 2014 for £13m.
- Marcos Llorente – signed from Real Madrid in 2019 for £35m.
- Kieran Trippier – signed from Tottenham in 2019 for £20m.
- Jose Gimenez – signed from Danubio for €995,000
- Stefan Savic – signed from Fiorentina for €12m
- And he also splashed out on…
- Joao Felix – signed from Benfica for £113m in 2019.Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
- Julian Alvarez – signed from Man City for £82m in 2024.
- Thomas Lemar – signed from Monaco for £63.2m in 2018.
Just being appointed to step into the big shoes left vacant by Arsenal legend and former Sporting Director, Edu Jasper, the whole world waits to see where it gets the Gunners.
Andrea Berta has huge tasks before him at his new club: First, get in a prolific goalscorer whom the Gunners have been lacking in recent seasons after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang; and second, perhaps a winger and a defensive midfielder.
How far Berta and Arsenal go, remains to be be seen as the club aims to complete with football powerhouses for domestic and European crowns.
Berta Named Arsenal New Sporting Director
