Arsenal are on the verge of announcing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, replacing Edu. However, a late twist in the saga has emerged, as AC Milan are reportedly making a last-minute push to hijack the deal.
Berta, who left Atletico Madrid in January after more than a decade at the club, has been Arsenal’s top target for the role. The Gunners were believed to have agreed terms with the highly regarded Italian, but fresh reports suggest the deal may not be sealed just yet.
Despite initial claims that Arsenal had wrapped up an agreement with Berta, Corriere della Sera (via talkSPORT) now reports that AC Milan are still in the race. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who serves as an advisor to Milan, has been involved in discussions regarding the club’s next sporting director, and CEO Giorgio Furlani is set to hold meetings with at least four candidates.
One of Milan’s potential alternatives is Thiago Scuro, the current Monaco sporting director, who had also been on Arsenal’s radar. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), while Milan were initially downplaying their interest in Berta, they are now considering him among their top choices.
Former Tottenham and Juventus director Fabio Paratici is also reportedly in the mix, alongside Igli Tare and Markus Krosche. Paratici and former Lazio executive Tare are both currently unattached, whereas Krosche has been with Eintracht Frankfurt since 2021.
Born in Brescia, Italy, Berta has extensive experience in football management. At Atletico Madrid, he was instrumental in several high-profile transfers, including the return of Antoine Griezmann from Barcelona. His reputation as a top-tier sporting director makes him an attractive candidate for both Arsenal and Milan.
If Arsenal manage to fend off Milan’s interest, Berta’s arrival could mark a significant step forward for the club’s long-term transfer strategy. His expertise in squad building and talent acquisition aligns well with Arsenal’s ambition to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Berta’s appointment, Arsenal remain focused on their Champions League campaign. Mikel Arteta’s side faces PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night, carrying a commanding 7-1 lead from the first leg. This cushion allows Arteta the option to rotate his squad, with Ben White in contention for his first start since November after recovering from knee surgery.
“I think we have to manage him very well because he was still having some issues in terms of load,” Arteta told reporters. “We’re very cautious to make sure that when he comes back, he can now maintain that level and there are no more setbacks.”
White’s return provides Arteta with an additional defensive option as Arsenal continue their push for silverware this season.
Arsenal remain confident in securing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, but AC Milan’s late interest could complicate matters. With Milan’s leadership actively considering alternatives, including Berta, the final decision remains uncertain. Arsenal fans will be hoping the club can finalize the deal and add another experienced figure to their management structure as they aim for sustained success on and off the pitch.
