Who is Jason Ayto? Arsenal behind-the-scenes chief set to fill in for Edu after shock resignation

Current Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto looks set to be the man to step up and fill the void left by Edu, according to the latest reports.

The Telegraph claims the well-respected assistant to Edu is set for a 'wider role' after the Brazilian chief's departure was announced earlier this week. The 46-year-old resigned as sporting director at the Gunners on Monday, November 11, with Josh Kroenke releasing a statement.

“We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward," Kroenke said. “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”

Edu will serve a notice period before taking on a new role working with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as global head of football in a multi-club structure. It's believed the Brazilian will be paid in the region of £5 million a year to oversee the Forest, Greek club Olympiacos and Portugal’s Rio Ave.

Edu's departure deals a big blow to the Gunners, having helped transform them from top-four challengers into genuine Premier League title contenders. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta issued a classy response to his departure ahead of this week's Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres passes Arsenal transfer audition vs Man City as £40m message sent

READ MORE: Five potential Arsenal sporting director replacements as Mikel Arteta dealt Edu curveball

“Everything happened very quickly,” said Arteta. “We both had this special chemistry and really enjoyed working together. He has an amazing opportunity now to do something else in a different role and he believes that is the right professional move for him. We have to respect that.

"The plan and the vision that starts with the ownership is very clear – it is going to continue. We have a very strong leadership team with unbelievable know-how and a real passion and great feelings for the football club.

“We are not going to stop where we are at the moment and across the club. The excitement, the passion and the understanding of where we want to take this journey remains intact and that means opportunities for somebody else to come and fulfil their role.”

Ayto is expected to step into the role in the short-term, having served as understudy to Edu since April 2023. He began scouting for the Gunners in 2014, and has worked his way up the ladder serving as the club’s recruitment co-ordinator, becoming Edu’s right-hand man.