Berta is a connections guy, a deals guy. His work, particularly at Atletico Madrid, is central to his reputation. He brings a brash confidence, a new outlook and his own way of doing things. He appears to be more from the Raul Sanllehi school than the Edu one.

Arsenal are close to appointing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, a source has told ESPN. The Gunners have been conducting a detailed process to identify a successor to Edu, who resigned from his position in November and has been on a six-month period of gardening leave since.

Arsenal are closing in on a deal that will make Andrea Berta their new sporting director. The Gunners have been on the hunt for a new sporting director ever since Edu resigned from the post in November of last year.

It is one of football's oldest cliches, but in the case of Manchester United and Arsenal this season, the league table really does not lie. For Arsenal, one point from their past two games means they are extremely unlikely to reel in league leaders Liverpool and face the disappointing prospect of finishing second for a third straight season.

Arsenal failed to close the gap on Liverpool after being held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United on Sunday. The day before, Liverpool took another big step towards winning the Premier League title, coming from behind to beat Southampton 3-1.

Live on Sky Sports Main Event Arsenal are 16 points behind Liverpool and must win to keep faint title hopes alive United need to prove they can compete with big teams after terrible run under Amorim Manchester Utd XI: Onana;