Arsenal are advancing in talks to recruit renowned Napoli head scout Maurizio Micheli.
Andrea Berta is looking to bolster his team after many changes were made within Arsenal’s hierarchy over the summer.
If fans were wowed by Berta’s work in the transfer window, they could be about to have their minds blown by Micheli, who is advancing in talks with Arsenal.
At Napoli, Micheli has been credited for bringing some unknown stars to Napoli who rapidly turned into world-beaters, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia being one player the scout identified.
While Kvaratskhelia delivered Napoli their first Serie A title since 1989/90 back in 2023, there’s a player whom the Italian giants will be most thankful for, and that is Marek Hamsik.
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What Marek Hamsik said about inbound Arsenal scout Maurizio Micheli
Hamsik hasn’t played for Napoli since 2019, but his legacy lives on in Naples, having made the most appearances for the club.
When Napoli signed Hamsik in 2007 from Brescia, very few would’ve been able to predict that the Slovakian would go on to become a record-holder, but Micheli did.
Before joining Napoli, Micheli identified Hamsik at Brescia, clearing a pathway for the player to make the move to Italy for the first time.
It’s all thanks to Micheli that the now-retired midfielder joined forces with Napoli, and it’s fair to say that all parties are grateful.
Speaking to the Corriere dello Sport in 2022, Hamsik reminisced on his time at Napoli, where he showed what he really thinks of Micheli’s role in making his career blow up.
“I’m in touch with Maurizio Micheli, the head of scouting who brought me to Brescia in Italy and to whom I owe so much,” he said.
Hamsik worked with many coaches and teammates over the years in Italy, but has not forgotten how he made it there, showing gratitude towards Micheli.
Could the scout now bring the next world-beater or club icon to Arsenal? Having seen his track record, it’s certainly a possibility.
Andrea Berta’s work behind the scenes to bring Micheli to Arsenal
The transfer window may have closed almost two and a half months ago, but Berta’s work rate hasn’t dropped.
When BBC Sport broke the news of Arsenal’s interest in Micheli, it became clear that the Italian’s potential hire has been entirely driven by Berta.
Sami Mokbel noted that Berta is ‘playing a key role in shaping the club’s recruitment department’, adding that the Gunners’ sporting director is responsible for identifying Micheli.
Berta considers Micheli to be a ‘key appointment to his team’, with an Italian task force being built in North London.
It’s an exciting potential hire for Arsenal, as Berta continues to flex his intent after joining the club back in March.
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