4 hours Ago By [email protected] (Tom Victor)
After a weekend off, Arsenal are gearing up to take on PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match. PSV beat Juventus in their play-off match, with Ryan Flamingo scoring an extra-time winner. They have been off the pace domestically, though, with a weekend defeat away to Go Ahead Eagles leaving them eight points adrift of league leaders Ajax.
Arsenal are feeling the effects of a quiet January, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to score in their last two outings after suffering an attacking injury crisis. The next transfer window is expected to be busier, though, with a new sporting director on the way. The Gunners are close to appointing that man, after which their attentions will turn to summer ins and outs.
Both of these matters feature in Mirror Football 's latest lines from around North London. Berta the front-runner to replace Edu Arsenal are expected to appoint their new sporting director in March, and Andrea Berta is leading the way. The Gunners are reported to be in "advanced talks" with the Italian , who left Atletico Madrid in January.
Interim transfer chief Jason Ayto is understood to have impressed a few of the club's higher-ups. However, he looks set to lose out to Berta, who spent time with Parma before a decade plus in the Spanish capital. Predecessor Edu, meanwhile, has yet to officially begin a new role.
The Brazilian is admired by Evangelos Marinakis, and it has been strongly suggested he will bring Edu in to work with his multi-club set-up which includes Premier League side Nottingham Forest . New transfer chief's best deals Andrea Berta's record at Atletico Madrid has hardly been flawless, with Joao Felix one high-profile mis-step. However, the former Atleti chief can also claim credit for some big success stories.
Are you excited by the prospect of Andrea Berta at Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section Berta didn't take on his senior role until after the 2013-14 title run, though he was at the club as Diego Simeone's side stunned Spain's big hitters. Seven years later, though, Atleti won the league again with a squad built on Berta signings. The recruitment includes smart bargain signings like Luis Suarez and longer-serving stars like Jan Oblak, among others.
Mirror Football has taken a closer look at some of his biggest hits . Dozen stars at risk of exit After a tough start to the new year, Arsenal may well feel they need new faces next season. A number of sales could help boost their coffers, though, and plenty of members of the current squad might be fearing for their futures.
Over the summer, Arsenal parted with big money for David Raya , Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino while cashing in on Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah. There have also been some loans - both incoming and outgoing - only some of which are likely to spark permanent deals. Raheem Sterling is one current squad member who looks unlikely to remain part of the picture next season.
The man on loan from Chelsea isn't the only one , though. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
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