Arsenal in advanced talks with top sporting director candidate | OneFootball

Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta, according to multiple reports.

Former transfer guru Edu Gaspar surprisingly resigned in November and his temporary replacement, former assistant Jason Ayto, has found himself under pressure after failing to oversee any new senior arrivals during the January transfer window.

A five-man shortlist of targets emerged last week, with Berta featuring prominently, and bothFabrizio Romano and football.london report that talks with the 53-year-old are moving in the right direction.

Berta forged a reputation as one of football's best sporting directors during a 12-year spell with Atletico Madrid and was previously linked with both Manchester United and Chelsea as he approached the end of his time in Spain.

The Italian secured the mutual termination of his contract in January and is now on the hunt for a new role.

Mikel Arteta worked closely with Edu to strengthen Arsenal's squad / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

"The decision I think will be done relatively quickly, whether it’s Jason or somebody else I don’t know but I think that decision will be done quite early," Mikel Arteta recently said of an appointment being made.

"We have the sporting director which is Jason, it’s clear and he’s been since the departure of Edu from day one he has been given full responsibility, all our support from that aspect and what the club wants to do after that is not on me. It’s a club decision to try to appoint the person that they believe is the best and I will be in full support of that

Atletico won two La Liga titles, the Europa League, the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa during Berta's tenure, forcing their way into what had been a period of dominance by Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Whoever takes charge at Arsenal will be tasked with pursuing some key signings. A new striker was already a priority before Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus' serious injuries, while a backup goalkeeper is a must as Neto prepares to return to Bournemouth upon the expiry of his loan.