Arsenal: Mikel Arteta expects transfer window 'surprises' from Andrea Berta as plans change | OneFootball

The new sporting director is set to bring some new ideas to the table

The Italian was brought in to replace Edu, who stepped down from the role of Arsenal’s sporting director in November last year.

Arteta stressed in the wake of that how Arsenal’s summer transfer plans would not be disrupted as work had already been done on them.

But the Spaniard has now revealed how he hopes the arrival of Berta could have a positive impact by bringing a fresh perspective on possible signings.

“Those [summer transfer plans] were already discussed with him,” said Arteta. “But yes, I hope that he has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones. And his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right calls.

“I think it’s an opportunity. Somebody else comes in with different ideas, different methods, different ways of working and other priorities as well in the way that they work. And I think this makes us better.”

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Berta was described by Arsenal as a “hugely respected figure in football” when the club announced his arrival at the end of last month.

The Italian has an impressive track record in the transfer market and caught Arsenal’s eye with the work he did at Atletico.

Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke said: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.

“Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out.

“We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”