David Ornstein has shed light on the growing reputation of Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta joined Arsenal in March of last year, following Edu Gaspar’s departure, and was tasked with a summer transfer window which ultimately led to a Premier League winning campaign.
He oversaw around £250 million of expenditure in his first summer window, bringing in eight first-team signings that gave Mikel Arteta his deepest squad to date.
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, Ornstein described Berta’s appointment as “absolutely pivotal” to Arsenal’s success.
“Those you speak to, whether they have a good view of him or not, whether they know him or don’t, they talk of a winner who is not necessarily here for a long time, but he’s here for a good time. He’s here to deliver for Arsenal,” Ornstein said.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Ornstein also highlighted the mentality Berta brings from his time at Atletico Madrid.
“He comes with the mentality of Atletico Madrid, where they had success — pretty remarkable given their standing in Spain compared to Real Madrid and Barcelona — and they went after signings for the immediate term.”
How Andrea Berta has shaped Arsenal’s title-winning squad
Andrea Berta has received huge credit by the majority of Arsenal fans for his work so far, but not every decision has been universally praised.
Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard have failed to make the expected impact, and debate continues over whether Viktor Gyokeres is the right fit, despite his 21 goals this season.
Berta spearheaded Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres after holding reservations over the cost of long-term target Benjamin Sesko, ultimately convincing Arteta that the Slovenian represented a bad deal.
Arteta has particularly credited Berta with identifying Cristhian Mosquera, the 21-year-old centre-half who has exceeded all expectations this season.
Berta’s Atletico connections have also added spice to Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
He was involved in a fiery touchline exchange with Diego Simeone, his former colleague, during the home leg of the semi-final.
If you’re Andrea Berta and Julian Alvarez is offered to you for £87m, would you sign him?
Too much money or a big bargain?
With Julian Alvarez among the targets being explored this summer, Berta’s Atletico ties could once again prove crucial in the transfer market.
Committed to Arsenal until 2028 and working closely with Arteta, who the club are keen to extend beyond his current 2027 expiry, the partnership at the top of the club looks to be in good health.
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