Arsenal have appointed Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.
Berta became the leading candidate to replace Edu after he resigned to take up a position in the network of clubs headed by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. He has begun his new role with immediate effect.
The highly regarded 53-year-old departed Atletico Madrid in January after a 12-year spell and was credited with signing Rodri, Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak in bargain deals, as well as selling players on for substantial profits.
He may be in attendance for Arsenal’s home match against Fulham on Tuesday night.
‘I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,’ Berta said, via Arsenal’s official website.
‘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 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.’
Berta was one of several options on Arsenal’s shortlist with Dan Ashworth, Roberto Olabe, Thiago Scuro and Tomas Rosicky also considered. Jason Ayto took on the role in an interim capacity in Edu’s absence and he will act as Berta’s No 2.
The swoop for Berta was spearheaded by managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis while head coach Mikel Arteta was also consulted.
Josh Kroenke, Arsenal’s co-chair, said: ‘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.’
Berta was an influential figure at Atletico since his arrival in May 2013 as technical director. In July 2017, he was promoted to the sporting director role and has often been linked with a host of top European sides, including Manchester United.
He previously held roles at Italian clubs Perma and Genoa.
