Erik ten Hag thought former Arsenal player was ‘perfect’ in his field – but Andrea Berta was actually better

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Andrea Berta could be Arsenal’s answer to an Edu Gaspar replacement following the former sporting director’s exit.

Edu left Arsenal in November and ever since, the Gunners have been without a sporting director. 

Jason Ayto has helped out as interim but the position remains unfilled, however, such is set to change very soon. 

It’s understood that Arsenal want to recruit a new sporting director in March, with it now emerging that Berta is a top candidate for the role. 

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

Andrea Berta won prestigious sporting director award in 2019

Diego Simeone spoke highly of Berta when reacting to the Italian’s departure from Atletico Madrid in January. 

The sporting director could soon find himself in another high-profile job, with Arsenal set to make a decision on who Edu’s successor is. 

What draws fans to the businessman is Berta’s striker signings throughout his career, dealing with some of the world’s best during his time in Madrid.

As well as signings, the former Atletico sporting director has won awards for his work in the role, which is interesting given one figure he beat to a world prize in 2019.

Berta was named the Sporting Director of the Year at the 2019 Globe Soccer Awards, finishing ahead of former Arsenal player Marc Overmars. 

Overmars was recognised for his work at Ajax that year, where he earned high praise in Amsterdam for his contribution, with Erik ten Hag calling the Dutchman a ‘perfect technical director’.

“Marc has of course been incredibly valuable to me: as a sounding board and as a noise remover. He turned out to be the perfect technical director for me,” Ten Hag told to De Telegraaf in 2022. 

The former Manchester United boss thought his right-hand man had it all but, it was Berta who came out on top, emphasising his success at Atletico.

Arsenal could strike gold with Berta

At the Globe Soccer Awards, Berta was celebrated for being the ‘protagonist’ in Atletico’s most expensive transfer by signing Joao Felix, as well as making a significant profit from the sales of Rodri, Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez.

The work of the sporting director allowed Atletico to spend lucratively and remain financially strong, something that is an optimum selling point for any project.

Arsenal could recruit the Italian following his departure from Madrid, in what is set to be a crucial time in Mikel Arteta’s stay, with a lot of expectation heading into the summer transfer window. 

The Kroenkes are expected to spend big in the summer following two disappointing transfer markets, giving Berta the chance to arrive and impress instantly.