Andrea Berta ends AC Milan talks after receiving Arsenal offer

Cameron Smith

Updated: 3 Mar 2025 07:32 CST
2 min read

Andrea Berta, Transfers Podcast — © IMAGO

Andrea Berta has ended talks with AC Milan as he has received an offer to become Arsenal’s new sporting director, The Transfers Podcast understands.

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Berta left Atletico Madrid by mutual consent in January, following 11 years in La Liga, and he has been linked with a move to Milan in recent weeks.

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However, FootballTransfers in conjunction with The Transfers Podcast has been told that Berta has ended discussions with the Serie A giants after informing the club that he has an offer from Arsenal.

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

The 53-year-old has recently been improving his English language skills in London, with a view to joining a Premier League club, and Arsenal have now presented him with an offer as they look to finalise an agreement.

Luis Campos, Dan Ashworth, Roberto Olabe, Tomas Rosicky and Thiago Scuro have all been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent months, but Arsenal are pushing to complete a deal to hire Berta.

Jason Ayto has been Arsenal’s interim sporting director since Edu’s departure, but he is set to be replaced by Berta in the near future.

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.

Berta is expected to lead Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker this summer as Mikel Arteta searches for a prolific No.9 ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.