Berta became available in January after more than a decade at Atletico Madrid — where he was central to the Spanish team’s progress.

However, a source has told ESPN that the north London club have progressed conversations with Berta in recent days and his appointment could be confirmed in the next week. Arsenal

Jason Ayto, who is Arsenal’s assistant sporting director, had stepped up to be the interim sporting director after Edu left. It remains to be seen what his future holds, but the club are known to be big fans of him and he was candidate to replace Edu.

Berta brings a strong track record with him, having spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid before resigning in January. Although he’d been linked with a move to Milan, Berta has long