Andrea Berta - a precise driver behind the wheel

By all accounts, Sporting Director Andrea Berta may be understated, but he's just the man Arsenal need behind the scenes rev up the Gunners squad.

Here's a polished career overview of Andrea Berta, tracing his journey from banking to elite sporting director:

🧭 Career Journey & Achievements

Early Career (2002–2012)

• Began as branch manager at BCC Pompiano in Italy before transitioning to football in 2002 as Sporting Director at AC Carpenedolo, helping punch above their weight in regional leagues  .

• Moved to Parma in 2007 (Sporting Director), navigated relegation and immediate promotion back to Serie A ().

• From 2009–2012, served at Genoa, guiding stable mid-table finishes and recruiting talents like Hernán Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio  .

Atlético Madrid (2013–Jan 2025)

• Appointed Technical Director in 2013; became Sporting Director in 2017  .

• Guided Atlético through one of their golden eras:

• Titles:

• La Liga: 2013–14, 2020–21

• Copa del Rey: 2012–13

• Supercopa de España: 2013–14

• UEFA Europa League: 2017–18

• UEFA Super Cup: 2012–13, 2018–19

• Two Champions League final appearances  .

• Key signings: Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernández, Jan Oblak, Rodri, João Félix, Thomas Lemar, Ángel Correa, Nahuel Molina — including six World Cup winners and a Ballon d'Or winner  .

• Major deals: João Félix (€126 m), Rodri (€20 m → €70 m sell), Griezmann (€30 m in, later €120 m sale), Oblak (€16 m), Suarez (€9 m) ().

• Accolades:

• Globe Soccer Best Sporting Director of the Year (2019)  .

• Premio Maestrelli (2022)  .

• Departed Atlético in January 2025 after a 12-year tenure  .

Arsenal (Mar 30, 2025–present)

• Officially appointed Arsenal Sporting Director on March 30, 2025, taking over from Edu Gaspar  .

• Known for his discreet, analytical style — rarely in the spotlight, but decisive behind the scenes ().

• Immediate challenges: recruiting a top striker, extending key player contracts, and overseeing transfers & youth integration  .

🔑 Summary of Career Record

Period	Role	Clubs & Highlights
2002–2006	Sporting Director	Carpenedolo – talent spotting, efficient squad-building
2007–2009	Sporting Director	Parma – managed relegation and promotion back to Serie A ()
2009–2012	Sporting Director	Genoa – steady Serie A finishes, key recruitments ()
2013–2017	Technical Director	Atlético – early involvement in title-winning recruitment ()
2017–Jan 2025	Sporting Director	Atlético – multiple domestic & European titles, major strategic transfers, awards ()
Mar 2025–present	Sporting Director	Arsenal – spearheading recruitment and squad structure under Arteta ()

🧠 Reputation & Style

• Methodical & discreet: Rarely speaks publicly, focused on strategic decision-making  .

• Analytical and value-driven: Prioritises data, mental resilience, and financial sustainability in transfers  .

• Proven ability in big-move markets: Known for high-gain transfers and nurturing undervalued talent into elite players.

🗞️ What This Means for Arsenal's Future

Arsenal has secured a top-tier sporting director, one who transforms both transfers and squad architecture. Berta's appointment signals a clear shift toward measured, sustainable growth — with boldness when necessary. Expect the next few transfer windows to reflect his strategic precision.