Arsenal confirm Andrea Berta appointment as Edu sporting director replacement finally found

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Arsenal have finally confirmed the appointment of Andrea Berta as Edu Gaspar’s replacement.

Edu left Arsenal in November after spending five years as part of the Emirates hierarchy, to take a new role overseeing Evangelos Marinakis’ network of clubs.

A shortlist of five candidates was compiled to replace the Brazilian, with the likes of Roberto Olabe and Dan Ashworth under consideration.

However, the Gunners have ultimately decided upon Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, with Berta agreeing to swap the Spanish capital for N5 earlier this month.

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

Arsenal appoint Andrea Berta as sporting director

Edu forged a close relationship with Mikel Arteta at London Colney, with the duo leading Arsenal’s new project, which has seen them rise from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers in recent years.

Thus, it was a damaging blow to the Gunners when the Invincibles midfielder informed the club that he’d be moving on.

However, Berta has now officially been appointed, and a new era commences at the Emirates.

The Italian has vast experience in the world of football administration, supervising Diego Simeone’s revolution at Atletico over the last ten years.

Berta has an impressive transfer track record on the whole, acquiring the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa and Julian Alvarez for the La Liga giants.

He’ll work closely with Arteta and the likes of Richard Garlick and Tim Lewis to enact squad-building plans, as well as implementing the general long-term vision of the club.

Every striker Andrea Berta signed at Atletico

Arsenal’s most pressing need in the transfer market this summer is a centre-forward, with Arteta desperately requiring a new number nine in his ranks.

Berta bought several exceptional forwards to the Metropolitano over the years, including the aforementioned three, as well as David Villa, Mario Mandzukic and Matheus Cunha.

Arsenal are understood to be interested in Alexander Isak, and given Berta pulled off expensive deals for the likes of Alvarez and Joao Felix, he’s well-versed in pulling off marquee additions of this ilk.

While losing Edu was a blow for the Gunners, they may have ultimately sourced an upgrade.