Romano: ‘More than three meetings’ – Milan attempted to hijack Berta’s Arsenal move | OneFootball

AC Milan held several meetings with Andrea Berta to try and convince him to go there instead of to Arsenal, but they were unsuccessful.

As we have reported recently, Milan are looking for a new sporting director to join the current working group following Antonio D’Ottavio’s exit in December. Geoffrey Moncada is the technical director on paper but remains the chief scout in practice, and would prefer to that position.

Recently, CEO Giorgio Furlani flew to the USA to meet Gerry Cardinale and confirm that he has full powers when it comes to who is appointed, after learning that meetings were held with potential candidates without him in London.

One of the names that has been heavily linked in recent weeks is Andrea Berta, who left his position as Atletico Madrid’s sporting director at the end of last year. However, Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport that the attempts to land him have failed.

“A new era is about to start at Arsenal, and it’s going to be an important one. Andrea Berta is set to sign his contract as new director at the club, replacing Edu Gaspar who decided to leave the project at the end of 2024 with the Brazilian in line to become new Director at Marinakis Group, coordinating transfers at Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos, Rio Ave and more clubs soon,” he said.

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“We can reveal to you how behind the scenes this move has been on the cards for months; after his decision to part ways with Atletico Madrid where he helped to build the team in recent years, with his final move being for Julian Alvarez, who was wanted by and signed by Berta after difficult negotiations in a transfer battle with PSG.

“Berta wanted a new challenge and despite several approaches from European clubs, he’s always been giving priority to Arsenal. In the last month, AC Milan’s management held more than three meetings to convince Andrea Berta but he’s always wanted Arsenal as the favourite destination for his future.

“That’s why he has spent a lot of time in London since December to improve his English, get to know the environment and arrive at the club at the best level possible. Why only Arsenal? The reason is Premier League football and the ambition to build something important in England, bringing the project to the next level.

“Then, a crucial factor, also is Mikel Arteta. Berta has spent many years in Spain, his Spanish is absolutely perfect, he knows how Arteta works and their connection has been excellent since the first meeting, sources close to Arsenal have confirmed.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Arteta has been and will be key in the process to bring new players to Arsenal, for example Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino who were both strongly wanted by the manager last summer. Berta knows how to work together with an influential manager, as it was the same with Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

“They will be coordinated to build Arsenal’s future moves and try to win titles in the upcoming years after the excellent rebuilding job by Edu Gaspar and Arteta. What’s next for the summer transfer window? Berta will be immediately involved in the process to bring in a new centre-forward, something absolutely crucial for Arsenal.

“For sure, Alexander Isak was and remains the number one dream target for Arsenal as they remain involved in the race together with Liverpool, considering Isak as one of the best strikers in the world. Don’t forget Newcastle’s position, as they insist on Isak staying at the club, so it’d take a massive proposal to make things happen – Arsenal are aware of that.”