Arsenal close in on new sporting director as Gunners near agreement with ex-Atletico Madrid man Andrea Berta to replace Edu

Arsenal are closing in on appointing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, per reports.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

WHAT HAPPENED?
Per Fabrizio Romano, Berta is keen to move to Arsenal as their new sporting director as they bid to replace the departed Edu Gaspar. The director has snubbed interest from AC Milan in favour of the Premier League, Gianluca Di Marzio reports, with a deal to be finalised this week.

AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal have had Jason Ayto working as the club's sporting director in the interim after Edu's departure. He remains a candidate to take the role permanently if the deal for Berta falls through, but he is instead expected to work as his No.2.
DID YOU KNOW?
Berta's background is in banking but, according to the Evening Standard, he began his career in football with FC Carpenedolo, before joining Parma and then Genoa. Following that spell, he moved to Madrid, where he has worked until his mutual termination in January of this year.