Arsenal have a behind the scenes figure who's more impressive than Andrea Berta, he's 'absolutely integral'

Andrea Berta isn’t the only member of staff who is earning rave reviews at Arsenal this summer.

The Italian hasn’t looked back since arriving at Arsenal, succeeding Edu Gaspar in the sporting director role.

Berta boasted a strong reputation thanks to his work at Atletico Madrid over the years, orchestrating some of the world’s biggest transfers.

The businessman has wasted no time getting on Arsenal’s good side, welcoming six new players to Mikel Arteta’s squad in time for pre-season, with further moves in the works.

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James King is impressing at Arsenal

Right now, the Gunners’ attention is on sales, despite Arsenal being in contact with Eberechi Eze, who is also on Tottenham’s radar.

All eyes are on Berta as the final month of the summer window progresses, but the Italian isn’t the only one drawing attention behind the scenes.

Taking to The Sports Agents podcast, renowned journalist David Ornstein revealed a name other than Berta who is making waves.

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“They’ve got a really highly rated individual there who’s working on transfers and contracts called James King,” Ornstein said.

“He was a legal counsel at Arsenal. He went off to work at the PFA. He has come back to Arsenal and is said to be absolutely integral to their operation.”

King was appointed Arsenal’s director of football operations in November, which was a time of stark change at the top.

Edu stunned by leaving his post as sporting director, prompting a change behind the scenes.

Before Berta was appointed, King was even in the running to succeed Edu, but the Italian came in and now collaborates with the Englishman, something that’s clearly working very well.

Arsenal’s 2025 summer transfer business so far

With regard to incomings, those above Arteta at Arsenal will be very satisfied, but there’s work to be done in other areas.

The Gunners need to offload some talent, as seen through the stark mismatch between their spent and received figures this summer.

Arsenal have spent £192m so far in the window, receiving only £6.9m, made up of the sales of Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos.

Arsenal’s hierarchy will acknowledge that the books need to be balanced, something that will happen before the window closes, with key sales anticipated.

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