'Excited' Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal transfer window hopes after Andrea Berta's arrival as new sporting director

The Italian executive, who had a successful stint at Atletico Madrid from 2017 until early 2025, takes over from Edu, whose departure was announced last November. Berta's track record at Atletico includes orchestrating high-profile transfers, such as the purchase and sale of Rodri and Antoine Griezmann, as well as a £180 million summer spending spree in 2024 that brought in Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand, and Alexander Sorloth.

With Berta now at the helm, Arsenal’s approach to the transfer market is expected to take a new direction, particularly as Arteta aims to strengthen the squad for a Premier League title push next season. One of the club’s top priorities this summer will be the acquisition of a top-class striker, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres emerging as leading candidates.

Arteta, speaking highly of what Berta will bring to the club, said: "Yes, I think it's a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team. A team that is already formed with a lot of great people. Richard [Garlick] leading it, obviously. But as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work.

“So it's about building out that chemistry. And I believe Josh [Kroenke] has been fully involved in the process as well. So we are all very excited to have him. You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding. And he's a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do.

"He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he's chosen to come to us. And now it's about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. And for him to start to do what he's already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”

While Berta’s appointment is geared towards long-term success, Arsenal still have important challenges ahead this season. The Gunners are competing on multiple fronts, with a crucial Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday, followed by a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.