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

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.

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.

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.

Arsenal play PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.