Arsenal has announced the appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sports director of the club, assuming the role that is vacant after Edu’s renunciation surprise in November.
A long and competitive hiring process led the Gunners to light for Berta, previously from Atlético de Madrid, after conversations with several other main candidates throughout Europe. Dan Ashworth, recently departed at Manchester United, was considered while Thiago Scuro de Monaco and Roberto Olabe in the Royal Society were explored. Two of the main contestants, according to sports sources of CBS, were Berta and Jason Ayto, the sports deputy director that had served as an interim replacement for Edu. Finally, it was the man from outside the Arsenal who won.
Berta brings great experience to the role. After having previously worked in Italian clubs Carpenedolo, Parma and Genoa, he spent almost 12 years with Atlético de Madrid, where two titles of the League were won with a significantly lower budget than that of the Real Madrid and Barcelona rivals. The man who helped bring Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak to the Spanish capital leads an equally successful soccer department in northern London.
“I am delighted to join Arsenal in what is a very exciting period for the club,” said Berta. “I have observed with great interest the way in which Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the arduous work that has been dedicated to restoring the club as a great strength in European football with a passionate of followers worldwide.
“The club has great values and a rich story, and I am anxious to play my part in the configuration of a successful future with a great team. I can’t wait to start in my new role and I am anxious to experience my first game in Emirates Stadium along with our followers.”
The Arsenal recruitment process for this greatly important role was directed by Richard Garlick, the newly appointed CEO who had been promoted after Vinai Venkatesham left in the summer. Berta is expected to work alongside Mikel Arteta instead of the first team manager to inform him, the same modus operandi That ED had. The final choice would have been that of Josh Kroenke and the co -president believes that Berta will help the search for the arsenal of the main roofs.
“Anyone who knows that football knows Andrea is an impressive figure,” Kroenke said. “He has a vast knowledge of the game, a great history, 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 defend and we have no doubts that it will help us to follow and take the next steps in our attempt to gain great trophies.
“We pushed an exhaustive recruitment process and we were greatly impressed by the level of all other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success that has enjoyed what he stood out. We are really eager to work together and welcome the Arsenal family.”
Berta arrives at a significant moment in the recent history of Arsenal. The injuries derailed their swing for the title of the Premier League and is expected to be a summer of significant recruitment, especially in the striker’s market. Alexander Isak seems to be the acquisition of dreams in N5, while the interest in Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig remains. In the center of the countryside, Martin Zubimendi is expected to arrive from the real society, while more strengthening can be required in the flanks. Then there are the contractual matters to address: William Saliba, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are approaching the last two years of their agreements with the club, although the latter has an option to extend.
