Arsenal Transfer News LIVE: Gunners Compile ‘Four-Man Striker Shortlist Featuring Gyokeres and Isak’ as Berta Takes on New Role
Berta Background
Supporters of Arsenal have long been yearning for a seasoned leader to steer the club towards significant trophies and international prominence.
While that elite striker remains a target, they currently have the next best option: a seasoned professional with a robust track record of acquiring such talent for immediate impact.
Introducing Andrea Berta – the 53-year-old Italian entrepreneur turned transfer expert who has been assigned the critical role of sporting director at the Emirates.
He faces a considerable challenge. His predecessor, Edu, worked diligently with manager Mikel Arteta to elevate the Gunners into contenders for the Premier League title through smart recruitment during his two-year tenure, having initially begun as technical director in July 2019.
The next objective is straightforward: to capitalize on that progress and reclaim the coveted trophy of English football for North London, concluding a 21-year drought for a league title.
On paper, Berta appears to be the perfect fit for this assignment.
His 12-year relationship with Atletico Madrid, working alongside Diego Simeone, was marked by success and overachievement both on and off the field, with his transfer dealings becoming the envy of top European clubs, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most astute operators before being appointed sporting director in 2017.
In the subsequent eight years, Atletico secured La Liga in 2021, along with the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018, and reached two Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016.
Throughout this period, Simeone frequently regarded Berta as one of his most valued and influential advisors, occasionally inviting him into the dressing room for crucial matches.
After extensive discussions lasting three weeks, it was Berta who persuaded Simeone to remain at the club in 2016 following a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the Champions League final to rivals Real Madrid, encouraging the Argentine to regroup and strive for success once more.
Berta has gained such respect in the field, having started in the financial sector for one of Italy’s major banks, managing to combine his career with a deep passion for football.
