Andrea Berta ‘thrilled’ to be named Arsenal’s new sporting director

• Former Atlético Madrid executive is replacement for Edu
• ‘I cannot wait to get started in my new role’

Arsenal have confirmed the appointment of Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, with the Italian expected to attend their game against Fulham on Tuesday as he begins his new role immediately.

Berta emerged as Arsenal’s leading candidate to replace Edu who resigned from the post in November to join the network of clubs spearheaded by Evangelos Marinakis, the Nottingham Forest owner. Berta left Atlético Madrid in January after 12 years in the Spanish capital and has been credited with being behind a string of successful signings including Jan Oblak (€4m from Benfica in 2014) and Rodri (€25m from Villarreal in 2018).