Soon after Arsenal announced Andrea Berta’s arrival as their new sporting director, the Italian was spotted at London Colney.
Berta did the rounds at Mikel Arteta’s press conference before Arsenal resumed their Premier League efforts against Fulham.
Berta could be seen shaking hands with each journalist in attendance, an experienced head who was clearly keen to make a good impression, and that he did.
Of course, Arteta then praised Berta profusely when questioned about the former Atletico Madrid decision-maker, who signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann in Spain.
Arsenal chose Berta over Jason Ayto for his experience in Europe, someone they must hope can propel their chances of a successful summer transfer window.
Arsenal are keen to keep Ayto at the club, but such is his growing reputation there is now interest from elsewhere.
Ian Wright says what he immediately noticed about Andrea Berta
All that considered, Ian Wright shared his first impressions of Berta when he met him this week on the ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast.
Wright was at Arsenal’s training ground after his appointment, and he even had a chance to chat to Arteta about the Italian’s arrival.
READ MORE: Arsenal have ‘reservations’ about signing one of Mikel Arteta’s striker targets this summer
Speaking about his visit, Wright said: “I had a nice start to the day yesterday because it was really cool – I had to go to the Arsenal training ground to do some interviews with Myles [Lewis-Skelly] and with Declan [Rice], which was really good.
“And obviously I went for breakfast, saw all the people that you know from around the club, met all the guys just before they went into training.
“I met the boss as well (Arteta) and the new guy, Andrea Berta – really serious guy, serious looking guy, and then done the interview which was really good.
“And then watched some training and then left, that was a beautiful, beautiful day.”
Wright continued: “It was so good because the energy and the vibe, you can naturally see players how they’re feeling through their vibe.
“I had a nice little chat with Saka – these guys look really calm and really focused, it was really good to see.
“Even Mikel was really chilled when he came over and had a chat, saying how happy he is that Andrea Berta is there – it was really, really nice.”
Andrea Berta’s transfer plans at Arsenal
It’s widely known that Berta will be tasked with signing a new striker at Arsenal this summer.
And given that any pursuit of Alexander Isak might prove unrealistic, the Gunners are broadening their search.
Arsenal are considering several strikers – a process that Berta was keen to hasten as soon as he arrived at the club.
It seems very unlikely that Arsenal will start the new season without a new number nine in place and that is an exciting proposition for fans in N17.
Berta has arrived in north London to make a difference, and all of the early signs are looking very positive.
