'Advanced talks': Arsenal new sporting director 'frontrunner' over ex Newcastle United and Man Utd bigwig

Arsenal are in ‘advanced talks’ with former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta to take on the role as Sporting Director at the Emirates Stadium following the sudden departure of Edu earlier this season.

Former Newcastle United and Manchester United chief Dan Ashworth had been tipped to land the position in North London. The 53-year-old moved from the Magpies to the Red Devils last year but spent just five months at Old Trafford before leaving by mutual agreement in December amid a restructure.

That decision cost Manchester United over £4 million and it had been touted that Arsenal would look to pounce on Ashworth. The businessman has helped sign the likes of Anthony Gordon, Leandro Trossard, Karou Mitoma and Moises Caicedo for previous clubs, which include Brighton as well as Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Dan Ashworth linked with Gunners job

Ashworth was immediately linked with the Arsenal job in December. ESPN claimed that the director’s history with Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick had led sources to believe a reunion at the Emirates was likely.

Last week, Ashworth was still top of a list of candidates shared by The Athletic, which touted a decision to be made next month. However, in a new update, it appears as if the Gunners are working towards a deal with a different name.

Taking to social media platform X on Monday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Understand Andrea Berta is now the top candidate to become new Arsenal director in order to replace Edu.

“Discussions already took place, Berta left Atlético after building the team with key signings in the recent years. Talks at advanced stage, not done/sealed yet.”

Those claims were given weight by The Telegraph on Tuesday. The outlet also hinted that Berta was a strong candidate from the initial shortlist with Metro naming the 53-year-old as a ‘frontrunner’.

Arsenal in ‘advanced talks’ with ex Atletico Madrid man

Berta left Atletico Madrid in January after 12 years at the club and has been studying English in London recently in order to boost his credentials for an opportunity in the Premier League. He helped the La Liga giants to two titles, a Europa League win and two second place finishes in the Champions League.

Berta would be filling the shoes of Edu, who left Arsenal to take on a new position working alongside Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis on his network of clubs. When leaving Arsenal, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.

"Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

In other news, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have found out about a £66 million release clause in a target’s contract.