Arsenal Pushing to Appoint Former Atletico Madrid Sporting Director – Report | OneFootball

Andrea Berta: Could the Former Atletico Madrid Sporting Director Be Arsenal’s Next Big Move?

Arsenal’s search for a new sporting director continues to gather momentum, with Andrea Berta, formerly of Atletico Madrid, now emerging as a leading contender for the role. A proven figure in football recruitment and strategy, Berta boasts a track record that could make him a shrewd addition to the Gunners’ setup.

Arsenal’s Sporting Director Vacancy and the Current Situation

The departure of Edu in November left a crucial gap in Arsenal’s football operations. Edu opted to take on a new challenge overseeing the group of clubs owned by Evangelos Marinakis, including Nottingham Forest. Since then, Jason Ayto has been managing the role on an interim basis, with Arsenal reportedly keen to retain him as a deputy even if they opt for an external hire.

Tim Lewis, Arsenal’s executive vice-chair, and Richard Garlick, the club’s managing director, are spearheading the recruitment process. Mikel Arteta has hinted that an appointment could be finalised soon, raising expectations among fans and analysts alike.

Andrea Berta’s Background and Rise in Football

Berta’s entry into football came in his early 30s following a career in banking. His first major role was as sporting director at Italian lower-league side FC Carpenedolo, where his work began to attract attention. This led to stints at Parma in 2007 and Genoa in 2009, where he helped stabilise the club in Serie A following their promotion.

His big break came in 2013 when he joined Atletico Madrid on the recommendation of former Manchester United and Chelsea executive Peter Kenyon. Initially part of the club’s international scouting department, Berta’s influence steadily grew, and by 2017, he was appointed as sporting director—a role he held until his contract was mutually terminated in January this year.

Photo: IMAGO

Success at Atletico Madrid and Transfer Expertise

During his 11-year association with Atletico, Berta played a pivotal role in assembling a squad that won two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League, and both the Spanish and European Super Cups.

“Berta had previously been hailed as a key factor in keeping manager Diego Simeone at the club and in 2019 was named Sporting Director of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards.”

His eye for talent was evident early on, contributing to signings such as Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, and Yannick Carrasco—players who became fundamental to Atletico’s identity under Simeone.

Equally, Berta proved adept at generating profit through player sales, most notably Thomas Partey’s move to Arsenal. However, not every move was a success. The signings of Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar—who cost a combined £180 million—stand as high-profile misjudgements.

Why Arsenal and What Next?

Prior to his exit from Atletico, Berta had been linked with several European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. He was also reportedly considered by Chelsea and Newcastle United following their respective ownership changes, while recent reports suggested he turned down an offer from AC Milan.

More recently, Berta helped oversee a squad rebuild at Atletico, including the signings of Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth, and Conor Gallagher. His ability to revamp squads while maintaining competitiveness could be of great interest to Arsenal, especially as the club seeks to build on their recent resurgence under Arteta.

With Arsenal aiming to solidify their status as Premier League title contenders, securing a sporting director of Berta’s calibre could prove instrumental. His blend of scouting expertise, recruitment acumen, and experience at the highest level makes him a compelling candidate.

As the Gunners edge closer to an appointment, Berta remains a name to watch—one that could shape the club’s future for years to come.