Arsenal reach agreement with new sporting director after devising four-man shortlist to replace Edu

Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Andrea Berta as their new sporting director following Edu’s exit from the Emirates last November.

As reported by Mail Sport last year, Edu made a dramatic departure from north London after five years as part of the club’s hierarchy, playing a key role in the recruiting and developing of Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging side.

The Brazilian was hired in 2019 as technical director before he saw a promotion to sporting director role.

His departure came as a blow to Arteta, who was keen to add a striker to his squad in the latest January transfer window but went into February empty-handed. 

Now, it is understood that Berta and Arsenal have come to an agreement, despite the Italian being one of several options on the Gunners’ shortlist to replace Edu.

It was believed that Arteta’s side were considering several options, such as Dan Ashworth, Roberto Olabe, Thiago Scuro and former midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

The operation was handled by managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis, while both Arteta and Josh Kroenke were also involved in the deal.

Berta has been a key figure at Atletico Madrid since his arrival in May 2013 as technical director.

However, in July 2017, the Italian was promoted to the sporting director role and has attracted the interest of multiple top European sides since then.

He played a significant role in both Atletico’s arrivals and departures, helping Diego Simeone carry out one of the club’s most successful spells in their history over the past decade and more.

Berta left the Spanish capital in January after bringing several key players to the club during the summer transfer window, such as Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Mornand, and Alexander Sorloth.

He started his director career in 2007, joining Italian side Parma and leading them to a promotion to the first division in the next season.

In 2009, Berta joined Genoa where he met current Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and was remembered for adding Rodrigo Palacio and Hernan Crespo to the squad.

However, replacing Edu will prove no easy task. The Brazilian had a substantial impact on the team and was able to oversee an overhaul which marked the departures of several highly-paid players, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had his contract terminated after an acrimonious final few months at the Emirates.

In his absence, Jason Ayto took on an interim director role and was also considered as a full-time option.

It is understood that Edu is set to join Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club network, which includes Nottingham Forest, Rio Ave, and Olympiacos.

Following a silent winter transfer window, Arteta has addressed the fans’ concerns about the club waiting for a new sporting director before completing any signings.

He said: ‘The club is doing the process that we believe is the best to try to find the person that is the best one for the moment that Arsenal is in right now, and that’s what the club is trying to do.’

Previous reports from Sky Sports outlined that the Gunners are set to enter the race for Jonathan David, who is out of contract at the end of this term, amid their continuing interest from Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David.

Alexander Isak was another striker who caught the eyes of Arsenal due to his stunning form, scoring 19 goals and adding five assists in 24 Premier League games.

However, it is understood that the north London club are waiting for their new director to take over the role and submit a proposal for David in the coming weeks.