Andrea Berta Appointed as Arsenal's Transfer Policy Owner
Arsenal Football Club is about to undergo a major transformation as Andrea Berta prepares to assume the role of sporting director. The former Atlético Madrid executive, who left the Spanish club in January 2024, will replace Edu, who also resigned in November 2024.
Berta's signing is viewed as Arsenal's declaration of intent, with the club looking to strengthen its team and make title challenges in the Premier League and European competitions. His experience in handling high-profile transfers and assembling teams within limited funds makes him suitable for the Gunners.
Andrea Berta's Track Record in Transfers
During his 12 years in Atlético Madrid, Berta played an instrumental role in securing world-class players. Some of his key signings are:
- Antoine Griezmann – Signed from Real Sociedad for £24.8 million in 2014 and sold to Barcelona for £103 million in 2019 before signing again in 2021.
- Rodri – Bought from Villarreal for £16.5 million in 2018 and sold to Manchester City for £62.5 million the following year.
- Jan Oblak – Acquired from Benfica for £13 million in 2014 and turned out to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Berta's ability to spot the best talent as well as negotiate good deals is essential as Arsenal aims to strengthen its numbers. (Source)
Arsenal's Transfer Priorities Under Berta
Berta's priority will be building Arsenal's squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. He is reported to have already started searching for his prime targets.
1. Striker Position
Without Gabriel Jesus, out through an ACL injury, and Kai Havertz for the season, Arsenal is badly in need of a goal-scoring striker. A name that sits at the top of their wishlist is Matheus Cunha at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian forward has scored 15 goals and provided four assists across 29 appearances this season. (Source)
2. Left Winger
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is also on priority. The 22-year-old was the star of Spain's Euro 2024 triumph and Bilbao's Copa del Rey victory. Arsenal are reportedly ready to trigger his €58 million release clause. (Source)
3. Defensive Midfielder
With Thomas Partey and Jorginho reaching the end of their contracts, Arsenal is looking for a long-term defensive midfielder. The club is reportedly on the cusp of agreeing a €60 million transfer for Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi. (Source)
Financial Strategy and Sustainability
Arsenal intends to take a sustainable financial approach while tactically signing players. The team will spend over £200 million in the summer transfer window but will also offload players to maintain books in balance. Berta's ability to work under budget, as he did at Atlético Madrid, has made him an ideal fit for Arsenal's philosophy. (Source)
Contract Renewals and Squad Stability
Alongside new signings, Berta will also need to keep Arsenal's top players. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães are out of contract. Arsenal would not want to make the same mistakes in losing top players like Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil over contract disputes. (Source)
Satellite Club Partnerships: In-depth Analysis
To circumvent post-Brexit transfer regulations, Berta is reportedly considering satellite club partnerships on the continent. That would enable Arsenal to sign foreign youngsters and mold them before slotting them into the senior team. (Source)
Manchester United's Injury Boost Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash
In other news from the Premier League, Manchester United has been strengthened by the return of five key players ahead of their game against Nottingham Forest. Goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, defenders Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro, all returned to training.
Shaw's comeback is especially significant, as he has played a mere three games this season due to injuries. Conversely, Nottingham Forest will be without Chris Wood, who is their top striker and has suffered an injury. (Source)
Conclusion
Andrea Berta's appointment as Arsenal sporting director marks a new and exciting phase for the club. His background of sensible recruitment, fiscal responsibility, and squad construction makes him the ideal candidate for the position. With Arsenal seeking to mount a challenge for the Premier League and succeed in Europe, Berta's policy of transfer will come under close examination.
Meanwhile, Manchester United injury boosts can turn out to be a winning card as they strive to capitalize on their top-four bid.
Manchester United and Arsenal remain two of England's biggest clubs, and with both of them making a big overhaul, the next few months are certain to be intriguing for Premier League fans.
