Andrea Berta: Could the former Atletico Madrid sporting director be Arsenal's next big move?

Arsenal's search for a new sporting director continues to gain momentum, with former Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta now emerging as a leading contender for the role. A proven figure in football recruitment and strategy, Berta has a track record that could make him a shrewd addition to the Gunners' set-up.

The departure of Edu in November left a gaping hole in Arsenal's football operations. Edu opted to take up a new challenge overseeing Evangelos Marinakis' group of clubs, which includes Nottingham Forest. Since then, Jason Ayto has filled the role on an interim basis, with Arsenal reportedly keen to keep him on as a deputy even if they opt for an external appointment.

Tim Lewis, Arsenal's executive vice-chairman, and Richard Garlick, the club's chief executive, are spearheading the recruitment process. Mikel Arteta has hinted that an appointment could be imminent, raising expectations among fans and pundits alike.

Arteta entered football in his early 30s after a career in banking. His first major role was as sporting director of lower league side FC Carpenedolo, where his work began to attract attention. This led to stints at Parma in 2007 and Genoa in 2009, where he helped stabilise the club after their promotion to Serie A.

His big break came in 2013, when he joined Atletico Madrid on the recommendation of former Manchester United and Chelsea executive Peter Kenyon. Initially part of the club's international scouting department, Berta's influence grew and he was appointed sporting director in 2017 - a role he held until his contract was mutually terminated in January this year.

During his 11-year association with Atletico, Berta played a key role in assembling a squad that won two La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League and both the Spanish and European Super Cups.

“Berta had previously been hailed as a key factor in keeping manager Diego Simeone at the club and in 2019 was named Sporting Director of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards.”

His eye for talent was evident early on, helping to bring in the likes of Jan Oblak, Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Yannick Carrasco - players who became fundamental to Atletico's identity under Simeone.

Berta also proved adept at turning a profit through the sale of players, most notably Thomas Partey's move to Arsenal. Not every move was a success, however. The signings of Joao Felix and Thomas Lemar - which cost a combined £180 million - were high-profile miscalculations.

Before leaving Atletico, Berta had been linked with a number of European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. He was also reportedly considered by Chelsea and Newcastle United following their respective changes of ownership, while recent reports suggest he turned down an offer from AC Milan.

More recently, Berta has helped oversee a squad overhaul at Atletico, including the signings of Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth and Conor Gallagher. His ability to overhaul squads while maintaining competitiveness could be of great interest to Arsenal, especially as the club look to build on their recent resurgence under Arteta.

As Arsenal look to cement their status as Premier League title contenders, securing a sporting director of Arteta's calibre could prove crucial. His blend of scouting expertise, recruitment acumen and experience at the highest level make him a compelling candidate.

As the Gunners move closer to an appointment, Berta remains a name to watch - one that could shape the club's future for years to come.