Arsenal Football Club is poised to make significant leadership changes as reports circulate about Andrea Berta potentially stepping in as the new sporting director. Following the departure of Edu, who left his position in November 2024, the Gunners have been on the hunt for Berta, who previously enjoyed success at Atletico Madrid.
According to reports as of March 9, 2025, there were fears within the club about losing Berta to AC Milan. The drama unfolded with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which suggested the Serie A club was making one last effort to hire Berta. Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani and owner Gerry Cardinale convened for an urgent crisis meeting earlier this week, focusing on the club's tumultuous season and strategizing for the future.
Yet, key football journalist Fabrizio Romano dismissed these concerns, asserting on Sunday morning, March 9, 2025, via his widely followed social media, "Andrea Berta will sign his Arsenal contract next week." This claim offers much-needed relief to Arsenal supporters hoping to see Berta officially join the club.
Berta's potential move to North London has been anticipated for several weeks. Reports from The Transfers Podcast highlighted how Berta had cut off discussions with AC Milan after receiving Arsenal's offer, which he has seemingly accepted. The Italian director had recently left Atletico Madrid by mutual consent after spending 11 successful years at the La Liga side.
While at Atletico, Berta was instrumental in negotiating several blockbuster signings, including renowned talents like Rodri, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Jan Oblak. The former Atletico director also oversaw significant player acquisitions during the summer transfer window of 2024, which included the likes of Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher.
At 53, Berta’s move to Arsenal marks not only a career transition but also aligns with the club's efforts to reestablish its competitive stature within the Premier League. The Gunners have been seeking stable management after Edu's exit, which came amid mounting pressures on the team as they strive for consistency both on and off the pitch.
On the surface, the allure of AC Milan, one of Europe's storied clubs, presents potential challenges for Arsenal. Nevertheless, Berta's recent efforts to improve his English language skills suggest he is fully committed to making the jump to the Premier League, signaling his eagerness to succeed at Arsenal.
Reports also hint at other contenders for the sporting director role should Berta's situation change. Names like Luis Campos, Dan Ashworth, and former Tottenham director Fabio Paratici have surfaced as other candidates the Gunners are contemplating. This shows the depth of Arsenal's search for the right leader to steer their transfer strategy going forward.
Currently, Jason Ayto serves as the interim sporting director. He has been tasked with managing the club’s transfers during this transitional phase, but his tenure is perhaps viewed as temporary until Berta’s expected arrival.
The upcoming period looks to be pivotal for Arsenal as they prepare for potential signings and improvements to the squad. With Berta's proven track record of success at Atletico Madrid, his recruitment could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the North London club. What remains is to see whether the reports of his imminent arrival at Arsenal turn out to be true or if the scramble from AC Milan proves to be too persuasive.
The anticipation surrounding Berta’s potential signing speaks volumes about Arsenal’s ambitions to reclaim their position among football's elite. Fans remain hopeful as they await confirmation of this significant move.