On Sunday, Arsenal officially announced that Andrea Berta will take over as the club’s new Sporting Director.
The 53-year-old Italian, who spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid before departing in January, will now step into the role previously held by former Arsenal midfielder Edu.
Edu left Arsenal in November to join Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis’ group of football clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiakos, and Rio Ave.
His departure left a key position open, and Arsenal has now filled it with an experienced football executive.
Berta’s journey in football management began in banking before he transitioned into sports administration.
He worked with Italian clubs Parma and Genoa before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2013 as a technical director. Over the years, he played a crucial role in building a strong Atletico squad.
During his tenure, the Spanish club won multiple major trophies, including two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Exciting about new role
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Berta said,
“I am delighted to be joining Arsenal at such an exciting time for the club. I have closely followed Arsenal’s progress in recent years and have admired the effort put into making the club a powerhouse in European football once again. Arsenal has a rich history, strong values, and a passionate fanbase. I look forward to working with the team and contributing to a successful future.”
Berta is stepping into his role at a crucial moment for the club. Arsenal is expected to finish second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season.
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For this reason, many believe the team needs a prolific striker to finally end its 20-year wait for a league title.
Beyond strengthening the squad, Berta will also need to focus on contract negotiations for the key players.
Star names like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Gabriel Martinelli all have just over two years remaining on their current deals, making their renewals a top priority.
Arsenal’s co-chairman, Josh Kroenke, welcomed Berta’s arrival, saying, “Andrea will be a fantastic addition to our club.
He understands our values and vision, and we are confident he will help us take the next steps toward winning major trophies.”
With an important summer ahead, Berta’s leadership will be vital as Arsenal aims to strengthen its squad and compete for top honors in the coming seasons.
