Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, with the Italian expected to attend their game against Fulham on Tuesday as he begins his new role immediately.
Berta emerged as Arsenal’s leading candidate to replace Edu after he resigned from the post in November to join the network of clubs spearheaded by Evangelos Marinakis, the Nottingham Forest owner. Berta left Atlético Madrid in January after 12 years in the Spanish capital and has been credited with being behind a string of successful signings including Jan Oblak (€4m from Benfica in 2014) and Rodri (€25m from Villarreal in 2019).
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That track record persuaded Arsenal that the 53-year-old was the right choice after an extensive recruitment process led by the managing director, Richard Garlick, and the executive vice‑chair, Tim Lewis, with the co-chair Josh Kroenke and the manager, Mikel Arteta, also consulted.
Berta told Arsenal’s website: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club. I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”
Josh Kroenke, Arsenal’s co-chair, said: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.
“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.
“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”
Arsenal have also confirmed that Jason Ayto, who has filled the role on an interim basis since Edu’s departure, will work alongside Berta as his assistant. One of their first tasks is expected to involve trying to sign a top-class centre forward after season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig understood to be the primary targets.
With Thomas Partey and Jorginho approaching the end of their contracts, Arsenal have a €60m (£xxm) deal in place for the Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The club will also look to strengthen at left-back and there are contracts to extend, principally those of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, whose deals expire in 2027.