Arsenal appoints Andrea Berta as new sporting director amid transfer ambitions

In March 2025, Arsenal Football Club confirmed the appointment of Italian Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, following the resignation of Edu in November 2023. Berta, aged 53, comes to Arsenal after a successful tenure at Atletico Madrid, where he was instrumental in several high-profile transfers and the club's achievements in La Liga, including winning titles and European competitions. Berta had initially left Atletico Madrid in January 2025 and was identified as the preferred candidate for the role at Arsenal. His background in banking and football has shaped him as a skilled operator in the transfer market. Berta's appointment comes at a crucial time for Arsenal as they aim to strengthen their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window. There are calls for the club to sign a top striker and a left winger, emphasizing the need for increased unpredictability in their attacking options. The Gunners also look to create a self-sustaining model in their financial plans while managing player sales to offset costs. Berta is expected to be a key figure in navigating this complex landscape and supporting Mikel Arteta's ambitions for the team. The Italian's impressive track record at Atletico Madrid, including negotiating profitable transfer deals and overseeing a squad that consistently competed at high levels, has led to high expectations from Arsenal supporters and the club’s management. Berta has been credited with signings of players such as Rodri, Antoine Griezmann, and Jan Oblak, who have become pivotal in Atletico's success. His role will involve addressing specific gaps in Arsenal's current squad, particularly in midfield, where players like Jorginho and Thomas Partey might leave as their contracts expire. Overall, Andrea Berta’s arrival marks a significant new chapter in Arsenal's football strategy, as he aims to replicate the successful model developed at Atletico Madrid and bring Arsenal back to the forefront of English and European football. His experience and connections within the sport are anticipated to aid in transforming the club into a competitive force capable of challenging for the Premier League title once again.