Mikel Arteta in the firing line: ‘new Arsenal arrival to make-or-break his reign’
Arsenal are closing in on the appointment of a new sporting director as Andrea Berta has been lined up to replace Edu after his exit in November.
The former Atletico Madrid man has been targeted by the Gunners thanks to his experience in his role, having previously signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Rodri and Jan Oblak.
Now, they are keen for him to lead their recruitment efforts in the coming transfer windows.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed that Arsenal are in “very advanced” talks with Berta to finalise his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, however, warned Football Insider that Arteta could feel undermined by the Italian’s appointment.
Robinson explained that the sporting director’s arrival in a higher position over the manager could lead to clashes if they fail to build a posituve relationship.
Similar issues have been seen at the likes of Newcastle between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell, and at West Ham between Tim Steidten, David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui.
As a result, there is a feeling that the relationship between Berta and Arteta could make or break the manager’s reign at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta warned about Andrea Berta clash after Arsenal latest
Industry expert Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Arteta was unhappy with the Arsenal hierarchy following a frustrating January transfer window.
The departure of Edu left the club without a clear direction or vision behind the scenes, and is believed to have contributed heavily to their struggles.
Now, with Arsenal close to appointing Berta, they have been tipped to re-establish the long-term vision in the transfer market ahead of the summer window.
However, speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson warned that the relationship between Berta and Arteta will be crucial if they want to avoid further complications.
“The most important thing is the relationship with the manager,” he told Football Insider.
“It works for me when the manager and sporting director can come together and come into a project together.
“When you’ve got a manager already in place and the sporting director comes in above the manager, that can be difficult.
“It’s difficult for the relationship with the manager at times.
“The manager can feel he’s been undermined by the sporting director or is being told what to do.
“The key relationship is the one between the manager and the sporting director – that has to work and it has to be harmonious.”
Mikel Arteta leading race to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig
In preparation for the imminent appointment of Berta, Arsenal have been putting plans in place to strengthen their squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
One position which has been key for Arteta since last summer is centre-forward amid concerns about Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ ability to lead the line in a title-winning side.
Football Insider revealed on 7 March that Arsenal and Tottenham want to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, and Arteta’s side are leading the race for his signature.
The 21-year-old has emerged as Arsenal’s top target in the upcoming window, and they could now move to meet his £58million release clause after the season ends.
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