Andrea Berta: From Atletico Madrid to Arsenal’s Boardroom
Andrea Berta, the Italian football executive who spent 12 years as Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, is reportedly on the verge of joining Arsenal in a similar role. The North London club has been without a sporting director since November, when Edu Gaspar departed to take on a new position with Evangelos Marinakis’ Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos.
Berta’s Background and Career Highlights
Originally from Brescia, Berta began his career in banking before transitioning to football administration with local side Carpenedolo in 2006. His first major role came in 2007 when he joined Parma as sporting director. Despite relegation in his first season, Berta helped guide the club back to Serie A the following year.
In 2009, Berta moved to Genoa, where he worked alongside current Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. During his three-year tenure, he orchestrated signings like Hernan Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio to replace the departing Diego Milito.
Berta’s most notable position began in 2013 when he joined Atletico Madrid as technical director. Working closely with manager Diego Simeone, Berta played a crucial role in Atletico’s success over the next 12 years, including:
- Two La Liga titles (2013-14, 2020-21)
- One Copa del Rey (2012-13)
- One Supercopa de España (2013-14)
- One Europa League trophy (2017-18)
- Two UEFA Super Cups (2012-13, 2018-19)
- Two Champions League runner-up finishes (2013-14, 2015-16)
Transfer Market Expertise
Berta’s tenure at Atletico was marked by several shrewd signings, including six World Cup winners: Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, Thomas Lemar, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Correa, and Nahuel Molina. He was also responsible for Atletico’s five most expensive transfers ever, including Joao Felix and Diego Costa.
Some of Berta’s best value-for-money acquisitions include future Ballon d’Or winner Rodri (€20m from Villarreal), goalkeeper Jan Oblak (€16m from Benfica), and striker Luis Suarez (€9m from Barcelona).
Looking Ahead to Arsenal
After departing Atletico Madrid in January 2024, Berta was linked with several high-profile positions, including a potential move to AC Milan. However, it appears Arsenal have won the race for his services, with Berta poised to bring his wealth of experience and eye for talent to the Emirates Stadium.
As Arsenal look to build on their recent resurgence under Mikel Arteta, Berta’s appointment could signal a new era of strategic planning and transfer market savvy for the Gunners.