Arsenal appoint new sporting director

Arsenal Football Club has approved the appointment of Andrea Berta as the new Sporting Director.

Berta, a highly respected football executive, arrives at Arsenal after a stellar 12-year tenure at Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in constructing squads that won two La Liga titles (2013/14, 2020/21), the Europa League (2018), and reached two UEFA Champions League finals.

His expertise in squad building and recruitment was instrumental in shaping Diego Simeone’s resilient and competitive Atleti sides, a club statement on Sunday read.

Berta’s arrival was prompted by the departure of Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu Gaspar, in November 2024.

Berta’s excitement for the challenge
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Berta said: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club. I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters.”

Strategic appointment for Arsenal’s future
Berta’s appointment aligns with Arsenal’s ambition of strengthening their footballing structure under manager Mikel Arteta, with the club eager to take the next step in their progression after returning to the UEFA Champions League and competing for top honors in the Premier League.

Co-Chair Josh Kroenke highlighted Berta’s impressive track record, saying: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.

“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for, and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”

Background, experience
Before his success at Atlético Madrid, Berta held technical roles at Italian clubs Carpenedolo, Parma, and Genoa, steadily rising through the ranks with a reputation for smart squad-building and strategic recruitment. His ability to blend experienced stars with emerging talents has been widely praised across European football.

Berta’s move to Arsenal comes at a time when the club is focused on reinforcing its squad depth and long-term planning. His appointment is expected to bring a structured approach to player recruitment, contract negotiations, and overall sporting strategy.

With Arsenal aiming to return to their glory days, Berta’s arrival signals a commitment to sustained success. His first test in the role will be shaping the club’s summer transfer strategy ahead of the 2025/26 season.