Andrea Berta is officially the new Sporting Director at Arsenal.
The Gunners have opted to hire the Italian – who signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Rodri for Atletico Madrid – to replace Edu Gaspar, who resigned from his Director of Football role in November.
Dan Ashworth was an option for Arsenal after leaving Manchester United in December – although the Englishman took himself out of the process to focus on other opportunities.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared what Berta is going to “take care of” at Arsenal in the coming weeks.
Andrea Berta set to work on new contract for Bukayo Saka
The reliable Italian journalist has now claimed that “new conversations” are set to take place between Bukayo Saka and Arsenal regarding a new contract.
Romano wrote: “After his imminent return on the pitch, Bukayo Saka and his agents will also have new conversations with Arsenal over new long term deal. No rush as current contract expires in June 2027 but director Andrea Berta will take care of the process also for Saka’s contract.”
🚨🔴⚪️ After his imminent return on the pitch, Bukayo Saka and his agents will also have new conversations with Arsenal over new long term deal.
No rush as current contract expires in June 2027 but director Andrea Berta will take care of the process also for Saka’s contract. pic.twitter.com/ovcJGb5Ajw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 31, 2025
TBR Football understand Berta will also focus on tying Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba down to new contracts ahead of the summer transfer window as well as the England international.
Which Arsenal players become free agents this summer?
As Romano states, Arsenal have some time to work on a new deal for Saka, as his current terms run until June 2027 – although there are a few who are set to become unemployed within weeks.
Jorginho becomes a free agent this June, and the Italy international has supposedly already agreed to join Flamengo rather than wait in hope of a new contract at Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney also sees his deal expire this summer, and the Scotland international will be heading back to Celtic on a free transfer.
Furthermore, Thomas Partey becomes a free agent too, while the season-long loan contracts for Neto and Raheem Sterling will end in June.
However, Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join – who is a central midfielder by trade – so losing Jorginho and Partey will at least be offset by one arrival in that midfield department.
