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Andrea Berta has emerged as a candidate to become Arsenal’s next sporting director, sources have told ESPN.
The Gunners have been conducting a series of interviews since the transfer window closed with several names under consideration including former Manchester United recruitment chief Dan Ashworth and Roberto Olabe, who will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season.
Berta, 53, was in talks to join AC Milan after leaving Atlético Madrid in December, those discussions have broken down with the 53-year-old, who is subject to interest from Arsenal as they seek to replace Edu.
The Gunners announced in November that Edu had resigned from his role at the club, with sources telling ESPN that the Brazilian had been approached by Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis to lead their multi-club group with an offer that would include a considerably increased salary.
Edu is currently serving a six-month period of gardening leave while managing director Richard Garlick leads the search for his replacement.
Sources added that no agreement has been finalised, but Arsenal are hoping to conclude the process this month so the new appointment can start work ahead of the summer transfer window.
