Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal officially announced Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, replacing Edu Gaspar
- Berta will prioritise the signing of a new high-profile centre-forward in the summer window
- The Italian spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid and was behind the signings of stars like Griezmann, Oblak, and Rodri
Arsenal officially announced the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director. The former Atletico Madrid chief replaces Edu Gaspar, who surprisingly stepped down in November last year. The 53-year-old Italian will face a busy start at the Emirates, with the club expected to be highly active on the summer transfer market. Signing a top-class centre-forward is believed to be the number one priority.
Berta brings a strong reputation, having been responsible for identifying and securing players such as Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, and Rodri, who went on to become major stars. He worked at Atlético for 12 years before leaving the Spanish side in January.
The Italian, who officially began his new role yesterday, is already facing a major challenge – to find the right striker to lead Arsenal’s frontline. That position has been a major gap in Mikel Arteta’s squad, and adding a proven goalscorer will be the cornerstone of the club’s summer recruitment plan. Several names have been linked with the Gunners in recent months, but according to The Sun, Berta has narrowed his focus to four targets, one of whom is expected to become Arsenal’s new No. 9.
The shortlist includes Alexander Isak, valued at around £150 million by Newcastle, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike (estimated at £60 million), Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig (with a £59 million release clause), and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. Portuguese media suggest that Gyokeres has a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting to be sold for a fee between €65–75 million. According to David Ornstein from The Athletic, the Swedish striker is Berta’s top priority.
