Recruitment drives success in modern football, and at Arsenal, a major shift has just taken place. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta’s sharp guidance, continue reshaping their transfer strategy as Jason Ayto exits his post. Ayto, 39, served as the interim sporting director after Edu Gaspar stepped down last November. Despite internal backing, Arsenal ultimately chose Andrea Berta as the long-term successor earlier this year.
The move signals a fresh start for Arsenal’s recruitment model. Ayto had spent a decade with the club, evolving from a scout into one of its most trusted transfer minds. His influence reached beyond titles, shaping Arsenal’s squad-building approach with clarity and calm authority. Sources close to the club said he was deeply involved in securing the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino last summer.
According to reports, Ayto will now begin a period of gardening leave before officially moving on. The decision was amicable and part of a broader restructuring behind the scenes. His exit may not have made headlines like a big-name signing, but it could impact Arsenal’s future just as much.
🚨 Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto is LEAVING the club ahead of the summer window, BBC Sport understands. Ayto will leave the club in due course, with the news announced to staff internally on Friday afternoon. [@SamiMokbel_BBC] pic.twitter.com/oUQPChIEb1
The recruitment landscape within the club has changed quietly but significantly. Jason Ayto took charge during a turbulent period and managed to steady the ship. Mikel Arteta praised Ayto’s adaptability and work ethic, saying he stepped up “phenomenally” in a tough moment for the club.
“It’s not easy to just switch offices and take on a new role overnight,” Arteta explained in a recent interview. “Jason showed professionalism and incredible determination. While Edu and I got much of the credit, the work was shared—and Jason was crucial.”
Ayto operated mostly behind the scenes, but his influence was felt across departments. From negotiating deals to reshaping recruitment strategy, his presence helped maintain a steady course during times of uncertainty. His departure may now create space for new ideas, but it also closes a chapter defined by trust, collaboration, and growth.
Jason Ayto has left #Arsenal. Ayto, who was a strong candidate in the process to replace Edu and was interim, will serve a period of gardening leave. [The Athletic] https://t.co/trzJek61NQ
The club’s recruitment focus now shifts to the summer transfer window. With Andrea Berta in charge, Arsenal have renewed clarity on what they need. A dynamic centre-forward tops their wishlist. One major name drawing attention is Viktor Gyokeres, whose form in Portugal has turned heads across Europe. Additionally, Arsenal are in what many describe as “concrete talks” with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko. The young striker offers potential, physicality, and a style that fits Arteta’s vision. While no deal is finalized yet, discussions are believed to be moving in a positive direction.
Andrea Berta arrives with a strong reputation from his time at Atletico Madrid. There, he helped build a competitive team on a sustainable budget. His challenge now lies in blending Arsenal’s existing strengths with fresh talent. The club’s ambitions have grown, and so has the need for precise, impactful recruitment. Jason Ayto’s groundwork may prove invaluable during this phase. He helped refine Arsenal’s scouting network and introduced methods that made their transfer approach more data-informed and adaptable. As Berta steps in, he inherits a system that’s modern, intelligent, and capable of scaling up.
Recruitment at Arsenal enters a new era. Jason Ayto leaves behind a quiet legacy built on diligence, trust, and smart decision-making. His time at the club helped shape a more modern and forward-looking transfer model. Andrea Berta must now lead the club through the next stage, identifying the right talents to help Arteta compete for titles. Supporters will watch closely this summer, eager to see which players join the red half of North London.
What’s your take on Arsenal’s new direction in recruitment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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