Arsenal are closing in on their next sporting director, as Arsenal Insider understands a deal is “very close” for Andrea Berta to be appointed.
It comes as the Gunners lay the foundations for the summer transfer window, where a few big signings are expected to walk through the door at the Emirates Stadium.
With Mikel Arteta’s side likely to miss out in the Premier League title race again this season, the pressure is on to back the Arsenal manager to glory.
It has been a tough few months, not least with all of the changes as Edu Gaspar resigned, leaving Jason Ayto as interim sporting director.
While it has been a few months, Arsenal are now closing in on the appointment of Andrea Berta as the next director in line.
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Andrea Berta rejected AC Milan approach as Arsenal sporting director deal close
Arsenal are closing in on Andrea Berta as their next sporting director, with a deal progressing towards completion.
The Italian businessman has previously impressed at Atletico Madrid, helping the side compete despite an inferior budget to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Berta left the Rojiblancos in January and while the Gunners look set to complete a deal, he wasn’t a man short in demand.
TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider on the situation: “Berta, who agreed to leave Atletico Madrid in January, has pushed hard for this role.
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“I am told he turned down the chance to even talk to AC Milan in recent weeks as he had a real sense that he was on course for the Arsenal job.
“Arsenal have not confirmed Berta’s deal but it is very close.”
It certainly suggests a deal is now close and could be announced in the weeks ahead, although Berta wasn’t the only one in the frame at Arsenal either.
Who Arsenal have interviewed for the sporting director job
While Berta appears to be the favourite to now land the role at the Emirates Stadium, he wasn’t the only one in the running.
The hierarchy at the club have done their due diligence, speaking to many candidates to get a range of options ahead of them.
Discussing the process, Bailey continued: “Arsenal have been taking their time to assess their options, I am told they have spoken to more than half a dozen potential candidates to come in and replace Edu.
“Edu’s number two Jason Ayto is someone who the club really appreciate and at this point, the plan is for him to stay within the club’s ranks, but they felt they needed someone with experience on the transfer front.
“Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe was a contender they really appreciated and to be honest I think it came down to him or Berta.”
It remains to be seen exactly how that decision could pan out, but it’s one that looks set to put Arsenal onto a new path.
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