Berta is a connections guy, a deals guy. His work, particularly at Atletico Madrid, is central to his reputation. He brings a brash confidence, a new outlook and his own way of doing things. He appears to be more from the Raul Sanllehi school than the Edu one.

Arsenal are close to appointing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, a source has told ESPN. The Gunners have been conducting a detailed process to identify a successor to Edu, who resigned from his position in November and has been on a six-month period of gardening leave since.

Arsenal close in on deal to appoint new sporting director ahead of busy summer - Andrea Berta is set to arrive at Arsenal with an impressive reputation