Jason Ayto’s increased profile has attracted interest from elsewhere following the arrival of Andrea Berta at Arsenal, and while the club are keen to retain his skill set, the situation is not yet resolved, according to The Athletic.
The former scout and Edu’s deputy was interim sporting director after the Brazilian left and was a contender for the job before the Gunners appointed Berta.
Arsenal hope for Ayto to stay at the club in the long term, but that could change if suitors come calling in the coming months.
He helped coordinate the January transfer window and the appointment of a new women’s manager, and he remains highly rated by the club, and while his continued presence would greatly help Berta, it is far from guaranteed.
He had spent just around a year and a half in his role as the club’s assistant sporting director before Edu left, but he was strongly considered for the role, and the chance to oversee recruitment at another club could be too tempting for him to turn down should offers come calling.
Losing Ayto would be a huge blow for Arsenal, but holding on to him for much longer could prove tricky given the recent developments.
Berta will receive support from Arsenal’s director of football operations, James King, and head of recruitment James Ellis, and the Italian will be desperate to hit the ground running as he prepares for his first transfer window in the Premier League.
He is a long-term admirer of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the club are expected to make a serious move for the Sweden international in the summer.
Having impressed at Atletico Madrid, the new Arsenal’s sporting director will fancy his chances as he takes up a new challenge, but he may need to learn how to help his new club without Ayto.