Arsenal agree new Sporting Director says Ornstein | OneFootball

David Ornstein reports that Andrea Berta has reached an agreement to become Arsenal’s new sporting director, bringing a decade of elite experience from Atlético Madrid.

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David Ornstein reports in The Athletic that “Andrea Berta has reached an agreement to become Arsenal’s new sporting director,” bringing an end to the club’s extensive search for Edu Gaspar’s successor as it prepares for a huge summer transfer window.

The former Atlético Madrid executive, who left the Spanish side in January after more than a decade in charge of their football operations, was the top choice among several candidates considered by Arsenal’s hierarchy and is available to start immediately.

Berta, who had been studying English in London as he prepared for a Premier League move, reportedly prioritised Arsenal over multiple other high-profile suitors.

While Jason Ayto, previously Edu’s assistant, was considered for the role, Arsenal ultimately opted for Berta’s greater experience at the top level of European football.

The 53-year-old, who previously worked at Parma and Genoa, spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid, helping shape one of Europe’s most consistent clubs. Berta helped build squads that won two La Liga titles, the Europa League, and twice finished as Champions League runners-up.

Berta’s experience in navigating complex deals will be particularly useful, with Arsenal aiming to secure elite attacking reinforcements while also tying down key players like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka to long-term contracts.

His ability to handle high-profile negotiations – having previously orchestrated major deals at Atlético Madrid, including those of Antoine Griezmann and Rodri – positions him well to deliver the next phase of Arsenal’s squad evolution.