Arteta: Andrea Berta had other offers but chose Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has praised Andrea Berta’s winning mentality, clarity of vision, and proven track record at the top of European football, describing Arsenal’s new sporting director as a “big addition” who can help elevate the club to new heights.

Speaking at London Colney ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Fulham, Arteta was unequivocal in his endorsement of the former Atlético Madrid executive, who officially joined Arsenal this month.

“Yes, I think it’s a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team,” Arteta said.

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“A team that is already formed with a lot of great people. Richard [Garlick] leading it, obviously. But as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work.”

Arteta confirmed Josh Kroenke had been “fully involved” in the hiring process and said everyone at the club is excited by Berta’s arrival. For Arteta, Berta’s credentials were evident from their earliest interactions.

“You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding,” he said. “And he’s a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do.”

Berta arrives in north London with one of the most formidable reputations in the European game. During his time in Spain, he played a key role in Atlético Madrid’s transformation into title winners and Champions League contenders. His experience at that level was a key factor in Arsenal’s decision to bring him in, and in Arteta’s assessment of his impact.

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“He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he’s chosen to come to us,” Arteta said. “And now it’s about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. And for him to start to do what he’s already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”

Berta is expected to work closely with Arsenal’s existing football operations and recruitment team, which Arteta praised for laying a solid foundation. Still, the manager made clear that Berta is being brought in to sharpen the club’s competitive edge.

“Well, we certainly believe that he is someone who is going to impact the club,” Arteta said. “And he’s got that experience, he’s got this personality as well, this charisma, and he strives to and wills to win. That is going to be very contagious. It’s very much instilled in the football club, especially from the top, because this is what we want to achieve.

“The good thing is the strong team that we already have in place, and all the work that the recruitment, that Jason, James, and all the boys have been doing, and everything is prepared. And then that planning has to be tweaked, because what you plan and you execute most of the time ends up being a bit different. But the direction, the vision, and what we want to do is clear. He will jump on board with that, and hopefully he will twist it and make it better. That’s why he’s here.”

The timing of Berta’s arrival, just weeks before the transfer window planning period accelerates, signals his importance to Arsenal’s long-term strategy.

With Arsenal still pushing for major honours on both domestic and European fronts, his role may prove critical in what comes next.