Granada recruitment chief Javier Alonso is set to leave the club and join Andrea Berta’s team at Arsenal, according to a report.
Matteo Moretto reports that Javier Alonso will leave Spanish Segunda Division club Granada CF to link up with Andrea Berta at Arsenal, further adding to Berta’s transfer team in north London.
Alonso had been working with Granada since January 1st, 2024, having previously been the head of scouting at Atletico Madrid, where he would have worked alongside Berta.
The 42-year-old also spent time in youth coaching with Sporting de Gijon and worked as a scout for Sassuolo before his five years with Atletico.
Berta had already added to his team earlier this year, bringing in Maurizio Micheli from Napoli. But with James Ellis leaving his role as technical director earlier this year, it was somewhat inevitable there would be further changes.
Alonso’s role with Granada was ‘technical secretary’, and given his history working in scouting under Berta with Atletico, it’s not hard to see why he’s been appointed.
Arsenal also need a rework in the academy setup, with Per Mertesacker leaving the club this summer to leave the academy manager position vacant.
That’s all in addition to the changes in the medical team, with Real Betis’ Eneko Angulo reportedly joining Aston Villa’s Arnaldo Abrantes in filling the unexpected gap left by Zafar Iqbal’s departure.
Despite Arsenal’s success on the pitch in 2025/26, there have been a lot of changes behind the scenes so far this summer.
- Newcastle willing to sell former Gunner this summerNewcastle United have made former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock available for transfer this summer, as the player reaches the final year of his deal.
- Arsenal recruitment chief scouts 17yo ahead of bidArsenal recruitment specialist Maurizio Micheli watched Andria Bartishvili in action last week, with the Gunners stepping up their efforts to complete the signing.
- Arsenal confirm new contract for youngsterRemi Lupinski has signed professional terms with Arsenal, a year after joining the academy from MK Dons.
- Not Rogers: Arsenal set priority summer targetJulian Alvarez is Arsenal’s priority summer target, but a deal may not be possible as Barcelona and Real Madrid remain in the race.
- Arsenal to open talks for £35m winger soonArsenal are reportedly set to open transfer talks with Club Brugge for Christos Tzolis soon, but they’re yet to do so at this stage.