Arsenal name Andrea Berta new sporting director
Arsenal Football Club has announced the appointment of Andrea Berta as its new Sporting Director.Berta, a highly respected football executive, joins Arsenal following a stellar 12-year tenure at Atlético Madrid, where he was instrumental in building squads that won two La Liga titles (2013/14, 2020/21), the Europa League (2018), and two UEFA Champions League finals.
His squad building and recruitment expertise helped shape Diego Simeone's resilient and competitive Atleti teams, according to a club statement released on Sunday.
Berta's arrival coincided with the departure of Arsenal's sporting director, Edu Gaspar, in November 2024.
Berta's excitement about the challenge
Berta expressed his excitement for the new role, saying: "I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal at a time when the club is experiencing tremendous success. I've been following Arsenal's evolution with great interest in recent years, and I've admired the hard work that has gone into reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a global fan base.
"The club has strong values and a rich history, and I am excited to contribute to its success alongside a fantastic team. I can't wait to get started in my new role, and I'm looking forward to my first game at Emirates Stadium with our fans."
A strategic appointment for Arsenal's future.
Berta's appointment is consistent with Arsenal's goal of strengthening their football structure under manager Mikel Arteta, with the club eager to take the next step in their development after returning to the UEFA Champions League and competing for Premier League titles.
Co-Chair Josh Kroenke praised Berta's track record, saying, "Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure." He has extensive knowledge of the game, a proven track record, a strong network, and an unwavering desire to build winning teams.
"Andrea will be an excellent addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for, and we are confident that he will assist us in moving forward and taking the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.
"We conducted a thorough recruitment process and were very impressed with the quality of all of the other candidates, but Andrea's experience and success stood out. We are very excited to work with him and welcome him into the Arsenal family."
Background and experience.
Berta held technical positions at Italian clubs Carpenedolo, Parma, and Genoa before joining Atlético Madrid, where he rose through the ranks with a reputation for smart squad building and strategic recruitment. His ability to combine experienced players with emerging talent has received widespread praise throughout European football.
Berta's transfer to Arsenal comes at a time when the club is focusing on increasing squad depth and long-term planning. His appointment is expected to introduce a more structured approach to player recruitment, contract negotiations, and overall sporting strategy.
With Arsenal aiming to reclaim their glory days, Berta's arrival represents a commitment to long-term success. His first test in the role will be developing the club's summer transfer strategy for the 2025/26 season.
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