Andrea Berta did one thing to win over Mikel Arteta as Arsenal boss reveals what he ‘liked the most’

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Mikel Arteta has reacted to Arsenal unveiling Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.

The Arsenal manager faced the media ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Fulham on Tuesday night.

As expected, the Spaniard was quizzed about Berta, who was unveiled by Arsenal as Edu Gaspar’s successor.

Arteta spoke highly of Berta when commenting on the Italian’s arrival, as he prepares to join forces with the former Atletico Madrid sporting director.

• READ MORE: Who is Andrea Berta? Everything you need to know about Arsenal’s new sporting director 

How Andrea Berta charmed Mikel Arteta 

Upon his arrival, Josh Kroenke also shared rave reviews of Berta, with attention on what the Italian can deliver in the summer transfer window.

It didn’t take long for the new sporting director to make himself known in North London, as Berta met with Arsenal staff before his announcement was made.

The businessman is already ticking a lot of boxes at the Emirates however, one thing he did stood out above everything else in Arteta’s eyes.

Speaking to the media ahead of the clash with Fulham, the boss revealed what he loved ‘immediately’ about Berta.

“What I liked the most immediately was how much he wanted to come to the club,” Arteta explained.

“He was really attracted and really excited by that possibility, and then the way he believes he can help us achieve what we want.”

Arteta’s admission is encouraging but is also unsurprising, as Berta turned down other offers in favour of joining Arsenal.  

Arteta’s role in Arsenal hiring Berta

The Arsenal manager maintained a strong relationship with Edu, with a new partnership now set to bloom with Berta.

Things are already off to a good start, as The Athletic revealed that Arteta had a say in the decision to recruit the Italian. 

It was reported that Arteta’s ‘point of view carried substantial weight’ in the hiring of Berta and that the boss ‘favoured’ him being selected for the job.

The duo will now work closely to identify how to best bolster the squad, with the sporting director’s arrival coming at the perfect time.