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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal announced on Sunday that former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta will take over the role of the club’s sporting director. Berta replaces Edu, who resigned from the position in November. The Italian was introduced as Arsenal’s new sporting director and expressed his excitement about joining the club during “a hugely exciting period”.
Berta spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid, where he played a key role in the club’s success, including winning two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, a Europa League title, and a UEFA Super Cup. He is credited with signing players like Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak for bargain prices.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Berta’s appointment comes as Arsenal look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Reports suggest that the new sporting director already has plans for his first three transfers, focusing on a center forward, left winger, and midfielder. Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with nine matches remaining. They are also in the Champions League Quarter-finals, where they play Real Madrid.
The club is expected to be active in the transfer market, with striker Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a serious target. Other potential signings include Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Berta’s experience and success in the transfer market are seen as crucial for Arsenal’s ambitions to compete for major trophies.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
With Berta now in charge of the player transfers and other decisions, Arsenal will focus on their remaining Premier League fixtures while planning for the summer transfer window. The club will aim to close the gap on Liverpool and improve the depth of their squad to challenge for the title next season. Mikel Arteta and the new sporting director will work closely to identify and secure their transfer targets, with a particular emphasis on adding firepower to the attack and reinforcing the midfield.
