Andrea Berta is all set to become Arsenal’s new sporting director.
The Gunners have been exploring the market to replace Edu Gaspar, who left his role at the Emirates Stadium back in November.
The Brazilian’s departure definitely had an impact on Arsenal’s January transfer window – Mikel Arteta pleaded for a new striker, but he didn’t get anyone.
Arsenal cannot afford to make the same mistake again, which is why a new sporting director in the form of Berta is about to come in.
Fans have big expectations of Berta ahead of the summer. Nobody knows how he will fare, but one thing is certain – he will not get much love from Manchester City supporters.
Why Manchester City fans will dislike Arsenal-bound Andrea Berta
Sporting directors in England are often seated in the director’s box during games – we rarely ever see anyone on the touchline.
In Spain, however, things can be different.
During a game in the Champions League between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City in April 2022, things got out of control after Stefan Savic’s tackle on Phil Foden.
That led to a brawl on the pitch between the players, and Berta got involved too.
Just when things appeared to be calming down, Berta got into a war of words with Manchester City’s club doctor, Max Sala.
The two men were clearly not happy, and in the end, Berta was spotted shoving the doctor in the face.
“Berta can be seen landing a slap on the face of City doctor Max Sala,” writes the Daily Mail while describing the incident that happened nearly three years ago.
We don’t know if every Manchester City fan is aware of this, but we’re sure they will have no love for the incoming Arsenal sporting director once they find out.
READ MORE: Who is Andrea Berta? Everything you need to know about the next Arsenal sporting director
Berta hurt Manchester City in the transfer market too
Berta spent over a decade at Atletico Madrid before leaving them at the turn of this year.
The incoming Arsenal sporting director oversaw a number of transfers during his time in the Spanish capital, and he managed to secure a big-money signing from Manchester City too.
In the summer of 2024, Berta and Atletico Madrid signed Julian Alvarez from Manchester City in a deal worth £82 million.
City have clearly missed the Argentine this season – he has scored 23 goals and provided five assists for Atleti since joining them last year.
Only Erling Haaland at City has managed to score more goals than Alvarez this term.
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