Berta is a connections guy, a deals guy. His work, particularly at Atletico Madrid, is central to his reputation. He brings a brash confidence, a new outlook and his own way of doing things. He appears to be more from the Raul Sanllehi school than the Edu one.

Arsenal have been on the hunt for a new sporting director in recent weeks, and it now appears that their search has come to an end. In the coming days, it is expected that they will finalise an

However, a source has told ESPN that the north London club have progressed conversations with Berta in recent days and his appointment could be confirmed in the next week. Arsenal

Berta became available in January after more than a decade at Atletico Madrid — where he was central to the Spanish team’s progress.

Arsenal are closing in on a deal that will make Andrea Berta their new sporting director. The Gunners have been on the hunt for a new sporting director ever since Edu resigned from the post in November of last year.

Arsenal have reached an agreement to hire Andrea Berta as Sporting Director, filling the post vacated by Edu earlier this year. The 53-year old Italian has spent the last 12 years with Atletico Madrid and nearly eight of those years were as Sporting Director.

There are sensational reports that Arsenal could lose 'new' sporting director Andrea Berta to a last-minute hijack from AC Milan.

Arsenal appear to have now reached an agreement to replace Edu Gaspar as sporting director in advance of the summer transfer window opening once this season ends