Who is Andrea Berta? Arsenal's new sporting director with a glowing reputation

Cameron Smith

• 30 Mar 2025 15:59 BST
• 4 min read

Analysis

Arsenal have officially confirmed the arrival of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.

The 53-year-old has been out of work since leaving Atletico Madrid in January, but he has now returned to football at the Emirates Stadium following an official announcement from the club.

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The Gunners had been searching for a new sporting director since the departure of Edu to Nottingham Forest’s multi-club group in late 2024, and they landed on Berta as the ideal candidate after talks with a number of options.

The Italian will take charge of Arsenal’s transfer business moving forward and he will be tasked with providing Mikel Arteta with a squad capable of finally ending the Gunners’ Premier League title drought.

But, who is Berta and what will he bring to Arsenal?

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Who is Andrea Berta?

Berta initially worked in the banking sector, before starting his first job in football with local club FC Carpenedolo. Following an impressive stint with the lower-league outfit, Berta was appointed as Parma’s sporting director in 2007.

Parma suffered relegation down to Serie B during Berta’s first season at the club, although they secured an immediate promotion back to the top flight in 2008, and Berta was soon poached by Genoa, where he worked with Gian Piero Gasperini.

He helped Genoa establish themselves as a consistent Serie A side and his work was rewarded when Atletico Madrid came calling in 2013.

Berta joined the Spanish giants as a technical director and he enjoyed an immense spell in this role before being promoted to sporting director in 2017.

Atletico Madrid won seven trophies during Berta’s time at the club, including La Liga on two occasions, while he was voted as the Sporting Director of the Year at the 2019 Globe Soccer Awards.

Berta departed the Wanda Metropolitano in January 2025 after his contract was mutually terminated.

AC Milan, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Berta over the past few years, but Arsenal won the race for his signature amid significant competition.

Which clubs has Andrea Berta worked at?

Berta has worked at FC Carpenedolo, Parma, Genoa and Atletico Madrid. He has now added Arsenal to that list.

Who are Andrea Berta’s best signings?

Berta has been responsible for a number of impressive signings over the years, most notably during his time at Atletico Madrid.

The additions of Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, Jan Oblak, Luis Suarez, Rodrigo de Paul, Marcos Llorente and Julian Alvarez are among the best deals conducted by Berta throughout his career.