Fabrizio Romano confirms attempted hijack of imminent Arsenal signing

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 18 Mar 2025 07:41 GMT
5 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that AC Milan made three late hijack attempts for incoming Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

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Berta has agreed to become the new sporting director of Arsenal, with the move expected be made official imminently.

The Transfers Podcast revealed a fortnight ago that Berta had ended talks with AC Milan as he had received an offer to become Arsenal’s new sporting director.

It was then widely reported that Berta had accepted the offer and would become Arsenal's new sporting director, replacing Edu after the Brazilian departed the club in November.

But counter-reports emerged that AC Milan were attempting to hijack the deal at the last minute.

Romano has now confirmed those reports, but he says that a deal is all done for Berta to join Arsenal.

What did Romano say?

“A new era is about to start at Arsenal, and it’s going to be an important one," Romano said.

"Andrea Berta is set to sign his contract as new director at the club, replacing Edu Gaspar who decided to leave the project at the end of 2024 with the Brazilian in line to become new Director at Marinakis Group, coordinating transfers at Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, Rio Ave and more clubs soon.

“We can reveal to you how behind the scenes this move has been on the cards for months; after his decision to part ways with Atletico Madrid where he helped to build the team in recent years, with his final move being for Julian Alvarez, who was wanted by and signed by Berta after difficult negotiations in a transfer battle with PSG.

“Berta wanted a new challenge and despite several approaches from European clubs, he’s always been giving priority to Arsenal. In the last month, AC Milan’s management held more than three meetings to convince Andrea Berta but he’s always wanted Arsenal as the favourite destination for his future.

“That’s why he has spent a lot of time in London since December to improve his English, get to know the environment and arrive at the club at the best level possible. Why only Arsenal? The reason is Premier League football and the ambition to build something important in England, bringing the project to the next level.

“Then, a crucial factor, also is Mikel Arteta. Berta has spent many years in Spain, his Spanish is absolutely perfect, he knows how Arteta works and their connection has been excellent since the first meeting, sources close to Arsenal have confirmed."

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© IMAGO - Andrea Berta, next Arsenal sporting director

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Berta left Atletico Madrid by mutual consent in January, following 11 years in La Liga.

Milan will now turn to other options such as former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare and ex-Tottenham and Juventus transfer director Fabio Paratici.

Andrea Berta to Arsenal

The Gunners have been searching for a new sporting director since Edu’s resignation in November 2024, and they identified Berta as the top candidate for the role following his immense spell at Atletico Madrid.

© IMAGO - Former Arsenal sporting director Edu

Luis Campos, Dan Ashworth, Roberto Olabe, Tomas Rosicky and Thiago Scuro were also linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months.

Jason Ayto has been Arsenal’s interim sporting director since Edu’s departure.

Andrea Berta at Atletico Madrid

During his time at Atletico Madrid, Berta helped the club secure the signings of several world-class players, including Rodri, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak.

He also played a pivotal role in their impressive 2024 summer transfer window, with Julian Alvarez, Robin Le

Normand, Conor Gallagher and Alexander Sorloth all arriving at the Wanda Metropolitano last year.