Matteo Tognozzi Set to Join Berta’s Recruitment Team at Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Recruitment Evolution: Matteo Tognozzi’s Potential Role

Arsenal’s recruitment operations are about to undergo another shift. With new sporting director Andrea Berta at the helm since March, the club is looking to bring in fresh talent to support their ambitions, including the possibility of Matteo Tognozzi joining the setup.

According to a report from The Athletic, Tognozzi, formerly of Juventus and Granada, could step into a senior recruitment role in time for Arsenal’s summer transfer window. This follows the recent departure of Jason Ayto, who had been serving as interim assistant sporting director. Tognozzi’s potential appointment signals a more expansive recruitment strategy as Berta seeks to strengthen his team.

Changing Landscape at Arsenal

Since joining from Atletico Madrid, Andrea Berta has been tasked with reshaping Arsenal’s recruitment process. Having worked alongside Diego Simeone for over a decade, Berta has a wealth of experience in identifying talent and shaping squads for success. However, the club’s recruitment setup has faced changes since the exit of Edu and the subsequent interim role of Ayto.

Photo IMAGO

With Ayto’s departure after more than a decade of service, Arsenal recognised the need for further reinforcement in their recruitment team. Enter Tognozzi, who could work alongside Berta and James Ellis, Arsenal’s head of recruitment. Although the precise hierarchy is still to be confirmed, Tognozzi’s appointment would bring vital expertise to a department poised for transformation.

Tognozzi’s ability to identify emerging talent has earned him significant praise. At Juventus, he played a crucial role in establishing Juventus Next Gen, a team aimed at bridging the gap between youth and senior football. His efforts led to the promotion of players such as Dean Huijsen, now at Real Madrid, and Kenan Yildiz, a standout performer for Juventus’ first team.

Tognozzi’s Legacy at Juventus

Tognozzi’s career at Juventus is marked by a legacy of success. As part of the recruitment team under Fabio Paratici, he helped build a pipeline of talent that went on to shine in the senior team. However, his departure to Granada, where he sought a more senior role, left behind a mixed legacy.

Several of the players Tognozzi helped develop, including Huijsen, Yildiz, and Matias Soule, were later sold for significant profits by Juventus. While these transfers generated valuable income for the club, some have viewed this as short-sighted, with regret over how the funds were reinvested. This approach ultimately led to a change in Juventus’ sporting director position, with Cristiano Giuntoli recently losing his job due to a series of poor decisions.

Despite these challenges, Tognozzi’s work remains highly respected in football circles. His ability to spot potential and nurture talent could be invaluable for Arsenal as they look to revamp their recruitment strategy.

Photo: IMAGO

What Tognozzi Could Bring to Arsenal

If Tognozzi joins Arsenal, his expertise in player development and recruitment could provide Berta with the support needed to make decisive moves in the transfer market. With the summer window looming, Arsenal’s strategy will undoubtedly focus on strengthening the squad for both immediate and long-term success.

Tognozzi’s legacy at Juventus suggests a keen eye for young talent and a strategic approach to recruitment. While there may be concerns over the mismanagement of some player sales in the past, his record of identifying players who successfully transitioned to senior football should not be overlooked. Arsenal, with their aspirations of returning to the elite of European football, could greatly benefit from this expertise.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The prospect of Matteo Tognozzi joining Arsenal is an exciting development. With Berta already on board, Arsenal fans will welcome any addition that strengthens the club’s recruitment efforts, particularly as the summer transfer window approaches. The need for a coherent and proactive recruitment strategy is clear, especially with the growing demands of competing at the highest level.

Tognozzi’s history of identifying players with potential is promising, and the move would likely signal a more strategic approach to signing young talent, as well as targeting players who can make an immediate impact. His experience in Italy and Spain, coupled with his proven track record in bringing talent through the ranks, could give Arsenal an edge in the highly competitive transfer market.

While it is important to temper expectations, Arsenal supporters will be hopeful that Tognozzi’s role in the recruitment setup will lead to smarter, more effective transfers—especially in light of recent years’ disappointments. The changes at the top offer a glimpse of a more organised, forward-thinking approach, which could lead to long-term success.