Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta have put a stop to some big-name transfers…

Andrea Berta’s decision to block two transfers highlights the character Arsenal is acquiring.

Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, arrives with a strong reputation, having halted significant transfers during his tenure at Atletico Madrid.

Fans of Arsenal are increasingly confident in Berta’s capabilities after discovering the reasons behind his rejection of two notable transfers at Atletico Madrid.

The club officially announced Berta’s appointment on Sunday, with the 53-year-old Italian taking over from Edu, who left in November.

Berta’s accomplishments at Atletico are well-documented; he was instrumental in bringing in talents like Rodri, Jan Oblak, and Luis Suarez.

However, his ability to halt deals is equally noteworthy.

Last year, it was reported that he blocked Atletico’s attempts to sign Adrien Rabiot and Boubacar Kamara due to concerns regarding their personal lives.

RMC Sport revealed that Berta informed French agent Bruno Satin, “I had two discussions with Adrien Rabiot’s mother and immediately ceased negotiations because she was dictating where her son should play.”

He also reportedly terminated a deal for Kamara, who is now excelling at Aston Villa, after visiting his home and finding him casually entertaining friends while dressed in shorts and barefoot.

Berta’s thorough approach indicates that he will prioritize not only acquiring top talent for Arsenal but also ensuring the right personalities join the club.

His focus on character and professionalism could significantly influence the club’s future, and fans on social media are excited about having such a principled individual in charge.

One supporter commented on X, “[He’s] definitely not a yes man; they are in short supply at the Emirates.

Imagine if someone had stood up and said, ‘this is nonsense, we are getting players on loan now’ in January; we can only speculate.”

Another individual remarked, “Absolutely, he’s definitely not a yes man, I’ll give him that.” A third person chimed in, “It’s refreshing to hear.

“I can’t tolerate talented players who sabotage their potential by being difficult behind the scenes.”

However, Arsenal supporters should temper their enthusiasm, as Berta has not always excelled in the transfer market.

He has been behind some expensive missteps, such as Joao Felix for £113 million, Alvaro Morata for £58 million, and the return of Diego Costa for £57 million—only for Costa to score just 12 La Liga goals over three seasons in his second stint at Atletico.

He also invested £63 million in Thomas Lemar and allowed promising players like Toby Alderweireld, Diogo Jota, and Theo Hernandez to depart for what, in retrospect, were relatively low fees.

Nonetheless, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke commended Berta’s “impressive track record” and asserted that he would be a “valuable addition” to the club.

“Anyone familiar with football recognizes that Andrea is a remarkable figure,” Kroenke stated in a release on Arsenal’s website.

“He possesses extensive knowledge of the game, a commendable track record, a robust network, and an unyielding ambition to create winning teams.

“Andrea will be a tremendous asset to our club. He aligns with our values and understands our mission, and we are confident he will assist us in advancing and achieving our goals of winning major trophies.

“We conducted a comprehensive recruitment process and were greatly impressed by the caliber of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has achieved that truly distinguished him. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with him and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”

Andrea expressed his excitement about joining Arsenal, calling it “a hugely exciting period” for the club. He noted, “I have closely followed Arsenal’s evolution in recent years and have great admiration for the effort put into restoring the club as a significant contender in European football, with a dedicated global fanbase.”

He added, “The club embodies strong values and boasts a rich history. I am eager to contribute to a successful future alongside a talented team.

I can’t wait to begin my new role and am particularly looking forward to my first match at Emirates Stadium with our supporters.”

Berta’s initial priority will be to secure a new No. 9, with Arsenal reportedly interested in players such as Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Victor Osimhen.

It is believed that the Gunners will have a substantial transfer budget this summer, with plans to enhance the squad across various positions.