Arsenal land their Edu replacement! Gunners confirm ex-Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta as new sporting director

Berta was in charge at Atletico from 2017 until January 2025, overseeing a period during which the club bought and sold Rodri and Antoine Griezmann, while £180 million ($233m) was spent on Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth last summer. The Italian replaces Edu, whose exit was announced in November last year.

Upon being appointed, Berta said: "I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club. I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world. 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 will take charge of Arsenal's recruitment ahead of what looks set to be a defining summer for Mikel Arteta's chances of winning the Premier League title with the club. A striker is said to be high on the list of priorities, with Newcastle's Alexander Isak a dream target.

While Berta focuses on long-term aims, Arsenal still have plenty to play for this season. They host Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday and Real Madrid visit in the Champions League quarter-final first leg the following midweek.