Nearly five months after Arsenal announced the surprise departure of sporting director Edu, the north London side welcomed his replacement - Andrea Berta. The 53-year-old spent 12 years with Atletico Madrid, in which time the Spanish giants reached two UEFA Champions League finals and twice won La Liga. Berta also spent several years in similar roles at Italian clubs.
Andrea Berta was officially announced as Arsenal's new sporting director on Sunday, replacing the departed Edu, who made a shock exit in November.
Edu spent five years at the club, and oversaw Arsenal's transformation from struggling to qualify for European football, to Premier League title challengers and UEFA Champions League regulars.
"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," Berta told Arsenal's official website.
"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.
"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.
"I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."
Berta was fundamental during a period of huge success for Atletico, who won two La Liga titles, the Europa League and finished as Champions League runners-up twice during his period at the club. He bought and sold Antoine Griezmann and Rodri for large sums and last summer spent £180 million ($232m) on Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth to regenerate Diego Simeone's squad once more.
Arsenal look set to finalise the appointment of Berta during a crucial period of their season. Their Premier League hopes hang by a thread, sitting 16 points behind leaders Liverpool with two games in hand ahead of their game at Manchester United on Sunday, but they are almost certainly in the Champions League quarter-finals after thrashing PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
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