Arsenal ‘close’ to signing new La Liga sporting director

The former sporting director of Atlético de Madrid, Andrea Berta, has barely been out of work for a week, but he is already approaching a new position. The Italian, who spent 11 years at the club performing various functions, was fired by the red and whites on January 5.

According to Onda Cero, reported by Relevo, Berta is close to signing for Arsenal as Edu’s replacement in office. Relevo confirms that he is one of the favorites for the position and that, after several weeks of probing the market in search of a replacement, Berta is emerging as one of the favorites. Other options for Arsenal include Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe, who has confirmed he will leave at the end of the season.

🚨🔴⚪️ The first half of La Liga is complete and Atlético de Madrid is the “winter champion”. The last three times this happened, they won La Liga:

– 2020/21
– 2013/14
– 1995/96

Diego Simeone was in all three, either as a coach or as a player.@PedroFullanaSER pic.twitter.com/zg08FvUuax

— Universo Atlético (@architetturauniverse) January 13, 2025

Berta has previously attracted interest from Manchester United and is generally considered to have done a good job at Atlético, playing a key role in the arrival of Antoine Griezmann on both occasions. Taking over as sporting director in 2017, Berta’s work has been questioned in recent years, reportedly leading to disagreements with manager Diego Simeone, none bigger than Joao Félix, who was recruited by Berta.