Is Andrea Berta the Man to Solve Arsenal’s Missing piece?

Arsenal are reportedly close to appointing Andrea Berta, the former sporting director of Atletico Madrid, to fill their vacant sporting director role. Berta, 53, left Atletico in December after 12 years with the Spanish club. He had been in talks with AC Milan, but those discussions have reportedly broken down.

The Gunners have been without a sporting director since Edu’s resignation in November. Sources told ESPN’s James Olley that Edu had been approached by Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis to head their multi-club group, with a significantly increased salary offer. Other candidates considered by Arsenal reportedly included former Manchester United recruitment chief Dan Ashworth and Roberto Olabe, who is set to leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season.

Andrea Berta’s Background:

Berta’s tenure at Atletico Madrid saw him develop a close working relationship with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and head coach Diego Simeone. While shielded from the pressures of managerial changes due to Simeone’s long tenure, Berta has experience defending Simeone. Berta is known for his private working style and limited media presence. Atletico’s transfer strategy under Berta generally focused on experienced, physically robust players who fit Simeone’s tactical approach, although they occasionally targeted younger prospects (such as Arthur Vermeeren, signed for €18m in January 2024 and subsequently loaned to RB Leipzig).

Key Transfers Under Berta:

• Successful Signings:

  • Goalkeeper Jan Oblak (signed from Benfica for €4m in 2014) developed into one of the world’s best.
  • Antoine Griezmann (re-signed for €20m after a €120m sale to Barcelona) has been a key player.
  • Midfielder Rodri (signed from Villarreal for €25m in 2019) was sold to Manchester City for approximately €70m after one season.
  • Conor Gallagher, Chelsea, €42m
  • Julian Alvarez, Man City, €75

• Less Successful Signings:

  • Forward João Félix (signed from Benfica for €126m in 2019) has struggled to live up to his price tag and is currently at Chelsea.
  • Forward Thomas Lemar (signed from Monaco for over €60m) has been hampered by injuries.
  • Striker Álvaro Morata (signed permanently for €58m in 2020) was loaned to Juventus within a year.
  • Striker Diego Costa’s return to the club in 2017 for over €55m yielded only 19 goals in five years.

Potential Priorities at Arsenal:

Andrea Berta ‘s immediate priorities at Arsenal, should he be appointed, would likely include:

1. Backup Goalkeeper: With Neto’s loan from Bournemouth expiring, a backup for David Raya is needed. Reports suggest Arsenal are interested in Espanyol’s Joan García (€25m).

2. Central Midfielder: The futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey are uncertain, with both out of contract this summer. Arsenal are reportedly pursuing Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi (€60m) and are also linked with a move for teenage Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, potentially competing with Manchester City for his signature.

3. Striker: Long-term injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus have exposed Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements. While a January bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was rejected, other potential targets include:

   • Matheus Cunha (Wolves, formerly signed by Berta at Atletico)
   • Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig, potentially available for €70m)
   • Nico Williams (Athletic Club, with a release clause around €60m)
   • Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus, previously linked with Arsenal)
   • Alexander Isak (Newcastle, dependent on Newcastle’s willingness to sell)

Andrea Berta ‘s extensive experience in completing complex, high-value transfers, as evidenced by his dealings at Atletico, would be a significant asset for Arsenal as they look to strengthen their squad. The article also includes Janusz Michallik questioning Mikel Merino.