‘Talks at advanced stage’ – Fabrizio Romano shares Arsenal DoF update as top candidate emerges | OneFootball

Former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta has emerged as the top candidate to become the next director of football at Arsenal, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners and Edu parted ways last year and his replacement is expected to be in place ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal are in advanced talks with Berta after his job at Atletico impressed them, but a deal is yet to be sealed between both parties.

The North London club have to get the perfect candidate for the job after an eventless January transfer window, and the Italian is the best man for the job after turning the La Liga club into a force to be reckoned with in Spain and Europe.

Arsenal are in search of their first Premier League title since 2004 and a first-ever Champions League title, and they need a squad capable of making them regular strong challengers.

They need a few players to take their team to the next level, and Berta has what it takes to help them identify the remaining pieces of the puzzle and also land them.

AC Milan also want the 53-year-old but he rejected them after making it clear that he already has an agreement with another European club, and Arsenal fans will hope it is their club.

Berta left Atletico last December and is ready to move to a bigger club, and landing him will be huge for the Gunners given his massive experience and network in the game.

Arsenal have found themselves further behind Liverpool in the Premier League title after picking up just one point in their last two games, and they need a big miracle if they are to end 2024-25 top of the table.

Preparations for 2025-26 have to begin as soon as possible if they are serious about going for the top prize again, and a deal to bring Berta to the club appears to be inching closer.