Fakayejo Paul
LONDON, UK – Arsenal is set to significantly strengthen its backroom staff, with highly-rated Italian executive Maurizio Micheli agreeing to join the club’s recruitment team.
The move is a major statement of intent, bringing one of Serie A’s most successful talent spotters to the Emirates.
Joining Forces with Andrea Berta
Micheli, who is currently the Chief Scout and Head of Scouting at Napoli, has agreed terms to join Arsenal and will work directly under the club’s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta.
- Berta’s Vision: Berta, appointed in March 2025, is reportedly the driving force behind this acquisition, aiming to build one of the most sophisticated and effective recruitment departments in Europe. Micheli is expected to become Berta’s main collaborator in North London.
- Imminent Departure: Micheli is now set to finalize his departure from Napoli, where he has been a core figure in their scouting department for over a decade across two spells. The move to Arsenal is described as imminent.
Micheli’s Proven Track Record
Micheli, 57, brings a wealth of experience and an enviable track record of unearthing star talent in Italy, making his arrival a major coup for the Premier League leaders.
- Napoli Success: He is widely credited as one of the architects behind Napoli’s two recent Serie A title wins (2022-23 and 2024-25).
- Star Discoveries: His scouting eye has been responsible for identifying and signing several players who became global stars and generated massive profit, including:
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (signed from Dinamo Batumi)
- Victor Osimhen (signed from Lille)
- Kim Min-jae (signed from Fenerbahçe)
- Marek Hamšík (spotted during his time at Brescia)
His expertise in the Italian and Southern European markets, combined with Berta’s reputation from Atlético Madrid, is expected to give Arsenal a significant edge in identifying undervalued talent and future stars.