Andrea Berta joins Arsenal as new Sporting Director

Andrea Berta joins Arsenal as sporting director, replacing Edu Gaspar. The ex-Atletico Madrid chief aims to shape a winning future for the Gunners.

Andrea Berta has joined Arsenal as new Sporting Director, replacing Edu Gaspar. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Italian Andrea Berta has been named Arsenal’s new sporting director, taking over from Edu Gaspar, who left the club in the last quarter of 2024 to the Nottingham Forest group.

"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," the Italian said in his first press conference. Andrea Berta joins the Gunners with a high reputation, having been instrumental to Atlético Madrid’s success over the years.

"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years, and I have admired the hard work that has gone into 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."

Jayson Ayto, Edu’s deputy who served in the role on an interim basis, was considered in the selection process alongside former Manchester United and Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth, ex-Arsenal player Tomas Rosicky and Real Sociedad’s outgoing director Robert Olabe.

"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," Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said.

"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."

Information source: ESPN