Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his excitement over the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director, hoping that the Italian will bring his own “twist” to the recruitment strategy.
Speaking on Monday, Arteta highlighted Berta’s charisma and winning mentality, noting that Arsenal had to fend off interest from other clubs to secure his services.
Berta, 53, was officially announced as Arsenal’s sporting director on Sunday and began work at the club’s Sobha Realty Training Centre the following morning. He replaces Edu, who left the role in early November.
“I think it’s a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team, a team that is already formed with a lot of great people,” Arteta said of Berta’s arrival.
READ MORE: Arsenal top target reveals he’s ready for a new club this summer
“Rich [Garlick] leading it, obviously, but as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work. It’s about building out that chemistry. And I believe Josh [Kroenke] has been fully involved in the process as well. So we are all very excited to have him.”
Arteta spoke highly of Berta’s approach to football and the impact he expects the former Atletico Madrid sporting director to have.
“You just met him [Andrea Berta] and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s game against Fulham.
Andrea Berta on moving from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal: “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 in to… pic.twitter.com/DD6810gRGr
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 30, 2025
“He’s a very honest, very straightforward person, with a clear vision of what he wants to do. He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities and he chose to come to us. Now it’s about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away.”
Arteta also praised Berta’s “very contagious” personality and emphasised the value of having individuals with different expertise and experiences within the club’s recruitment structure.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW.ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Asked whether he was involved in Berta’s hiring process, Arteta confirmed his role in the decision and reiterated how eager the Italian was to join Arsenal.
“Yeah, we were all involved. And what I liked the most immediately was how much he wanted to come to the club. He was really attracted and really excited about that possibility. And then the way he believes that he can help us to achieve what we want.”
Arteta also noted that while recruitment planning is already in place, Berta’s arrival will bring refinements and improvements.
“All the work that the recruitment — Jason, James and all the boys — have been doing is prepared. That planning has to be tweaked because what you execute most of the time ends up being a bit different from the direction of the vision. And what we want to do is clear.
“He [Andrea Berta] will jump on board with that and hopefully he will twist it and make it better. That’s why he’s here.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta provides latest injury update ahead of Fulham clash
