Arsenal poised to complete ‘great’ deal, it’s another Andrea Berta masterclass
Arsenal are set to confirm a big appointment in the coming days after yet another Andrea Berta masterclass.
Berta replaced Edu as sporting director at the Emirates in March after leaving Atletico Madrid at the start of 2025.
The Italian’s first transfer window in the role was incredibly busy, with Arsenal signing the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi, among others.
Following a summer of change, Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the Premier League 11 games into the campaign, four points clear of second-place Manchester City.
Arsenal to steal ‘well-respected’ transfer expert from Napoli
According to reports, Arsenal are close to sealing the appointment of Maurizio Micheli from Napoli to further enhance their recruitment team (The Athletic).
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that bringing in Micheli is further proof that Berta is doing a “great job” for the North London side.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that the Napoli chief is a good appointment and a well-respected operator.
Wyness added that Berta has worked with Micheli before and knows him very well.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Andrea Berta has come in at Arsenal and is doing a great job.
“Micheli is somebody I believe he knows and has worked with before. He’s done a great job at Napoli. I think he’s been there twice.
“He’s a very well-respected operator and strengthens the Arsenal situation. So overall, I think it’s definitely a good appointment.”
Arsenal’s January plan revealed after two shattering blows
Meanwhile, Arsenal will not be rushing into the January market despite two big injuries in recent days, sources have told Football Insider.
Riccardo Calafiori suffered a hip problem on international duty with Italy, and while the injury is not thought to be too serious, his fitness for the Gunners is in doubt.
To make matters worse for Arteta, Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off during Brazil’s friendly with Senegal, adding to the North London side’s defensive woes.
However, sources say that Arsenal plan to solve any fitness issues with their impressive squad depth, rather than signing replacements in January.
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