Berta’s personality will be ‘contagious’ says Arteta after Arsenal confirm his appointment as sporting director | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the appointment of a new sporting director in Andrea Berta will be a huge boost for the club.

The Gunners confirmed Berta had joined the club as sporting director on Sunday, replacing Edu following his departure last year.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Berta was bullish about Arsenal’s prospects of winning silverware in the future, claiming it was a “hugely exciting period for the club”.

And Arteta says the hiring of the former Atletico Madrid director will help the club get closer to that goal.

“Yes, we were all involved,” Arteta said, discussing the appointment.

“What I liked the most is how much he wanted to come to the club. He was really attracted in the opportunity and he believes he can help us in achieving what we want.

“He is going to be someone who is going to impact the club. He has got that personality and charisma and the will to win, which is going to be contagious. That is what we want to achieve and to have people who have already done that is really helpful.

“It’s a big addition to the club – a team that already has a lot of great people who have been doing such a great job.

“It’s now about building that chemistry, so we are all very excited to have him.

“He is a very honest and straightforward person. He has a very clear vision of what he wants to do. he was so willing to join us which is positive. He had many other possibilities but has chosen to come to us. Now it’s about us giving him the support. He has done well for many, many years at the highest level.”

Arteta also confirmed ahead of the game against Fulham that Bukayo Saka is back in contention to start having missed three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.