Andrea Berta to Arsenal? What It Means for the Gunners’ Future

It looks like Arsenal have finally found their man. Multiple well-sourced reports suggest that former Atlético Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta has reached an agreement to take over the role at the Emirates. The club itself has yet to officially confirm the move, but the consensus among top-tier football journalists is that Berta will be the one to replace Edu Gaspar, who stepped down last November.

For Arsenal, this is a pivotal appointment. Sporting directors don’t often get the spotlight, but in the modern game, they are just as vital as the manager. They oversee recruitment, manage contracts, and ensure long-term squad planning aligns with the club’s ambitions. And Arsenal’s ambition is clear: to move from title contenders to Premier League champions.

But what does Andrea Berta bring to the table? Does his approach complement Mikel Arteta’s vision? And, crucially, how does he compare to Edu? Let’s break it all down.

Andrea Berta’s Track Record: The Architect Behind Atlético’s Success

Berta, 53, spent over a decade at Atlético Madrid, arriving in 2013 and rising to sporting director in 2017. His tenure coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history:

• 2x La Liga titles (2013-14, 2020-21)
• 1x Europa League (2017-18)
• 2x Champions League finals (2013-14, 2015-16)
• 1x Copa del Rey (2012-13)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup (2014)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup (2018)

That success was built on smart recruitment, strategic squad planning, and the ability to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona despite operating on a significantly lower budget.

Some of his standout transfers include:

• Antoine Griezmann (€30m from Real Sociedad) – Later sold for €120m, then re-signed for just €40m.
• Jan Oblak (€16m from Benfica) – One of the world’s best goalkeepers.
• Rodri (€25m from Villarreal) – Sold to Manchester City for €70m, later won the Ballon d’Or.
• Luis Suárez (€5.5m from Barcelona) – Inspired Atlético’s title-winning 2020-21 season.

However, not every move was a success. His €126m signing of João Félix from Benfica turned into one of the most expensive flops in football history. Thomas Lemar (€72m) and Diego Costa (€60m) also failed to justify their price tags.

So, is Berta’s approach exactly what Arsenal need?

How Berta’s Transfer Philosophy Aligns with Arteta’s Vision

Mikel Arteta has been laser-focused on building a squad that is young, technically gifted, and tactically adaptable. His most successful signings—Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus, William Saliba, and Ben White—all fit that mold.

Does Andrea Berta align with that philosophy? It’s a mixed bag.

Where Berta Fits In

• Tactically Disciplined Signings – His work at Atlético was largely focused on players who fit Diego Simeone’s rigid tactical structure. Arteta’s Arsenal is more expansive, but still demands high work rate, tactical intelligence, and defensive responsibility—qualities Berta has often prioritized.
• Squad Depth – Arsenal struggled this season when Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus picked up their injuries. Berta is excellent at finding undervalued squad players who can contribute at a high level, like Matheus Cunha and Marcos Llorente at Atlético.
• Profitable Player Sales – Arsenal have improved in this area but still struggle to sell at premium prices. Berta orchestrated huge fees for Rodri (€70m), Lucas Hernandez (€80m), and Griezmann (€120m). If he can help Arsenal sell better, it could free up funds for bigger signings.

Where Berta Might Clash with Arsenal’s Model

• Older Signings? – Arteta and Edu preferred young, developing players. Berta, meanwhile, didn’t hesitate to sign older stars like Suárez (33), Diego Costa (29), and Ángel Correa (27). Arsenal might need to ensure Berta sticks to their youth-driven approach.
• The Big-Money Gambles – Atlético’s worst signings under Berta were the huge, high-risk moves for “luxury” players like João Félix. Arsenal can’t afford similar mistakes.

How Berta Differs from Edu Gaspar

Edu’s tenure at Arsenal was largely positive. He rebuilt the club’s recruitment process, worked closely with Arteta, and helped transition the squad away from expensive, short-term fixes. However, his inexperience in European football led to some struggles, particularly with outgoing transfers.

Key Differences Between Berta and Edu:

Biggest Takeaway?
Berta brings European experience and a sharper financial edge, but Arsenal will need to ensure his transfer targets align with Arteta’s long-term project.

Why This Hire is a Statement of Intent for Arsenal

For years, Arsenal have been knocking on the door. Under Arteta, they’ve gone from finishing 8th in 2020 to genuine title challengers. But there’s still a gap between competing for the title and actually winning it.

To bridge that gap, Arsenal need:

• Smarter squad depth – A reliable backup for Saka, a midfield enforcer, and a clinical striker.
• Better sales strategy – No more losing key players for underwhelming fees.
• Stronger European recruitment – The Gunners are back in the Champions League; they need signings capable of thriving in Europe’s elite competition.

Andrea Berta has the experience and contacts to address all three areas. His ability to find undervalued talent, make financially savvy deals, and work within a defined tactical structure makes him a compelling choice.

But—and this is key—Berta must adapt to Arsenal’s model. His Atlético Madrid teams were defensive, physically dominant, and rigidly structured, built in Simeone’s image. Arsenal, by contrast, are becoming one of the most technically refined, possession-based sides in England.

If he can blend his deal-making skills with Arteta’s tactical vision, this could be the final step in turning Arsenal into serial winners.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Appointment

Andrea Berta isn’t officially confirmed yet, but if reports are accurate, this is a massive moment for Arsenal. Sporting directors don’t always get the credit they deserve, but they shape the destiny of a club just as much as the manager.

Berta’s arrival signals Arsenal’s intent to compete with the best, not just domestically, but in Europe. His job won’t be easy—the expectations are sky-high, and Arsenal can’t afford transfer mistakes. But if he gets it right?

The next time Arsenal challenge for the title, they might just finish the job.