Arsenal have announced the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director, arriving as a replacement for Edu in North London after erstwhile director left the role last November to oversee the growing portfolio of clubs under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Gunners had been linked with a host of candidates namely Dan Ashworth, Roberto Olabe, Thiago Scuro and Tomas Rosicky before Berta emerged as the leading contender for the job earlier in March.
53-year-old Berta agreed to join the Premier League outfit having reportedly turned down the opportunity to join AC Milan, who are now said to have held talks with former Tottenham Hotspurs and Juventus director Fabio Paratici.
“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,“ Berta said. “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 reestablishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.“
He added, “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.”
“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,“ Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said.
Kroenke added, “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.“
The American executive also said, “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.”
Berta, who was a former banker and spent twelve years at Atletico Madrid, will start work immediately and could be in attendance when Arsenal take on Fulham in a Premier League fixture on Tuesday night.