Arsenal may be looking back on the January transfer window with some regret. Having failed to strengthen their attacking options in the mid-season window, they have now been hit with a major injury blow.

It is claimed that forward Kai Havertz is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn hamstring during the warm weather training camp in Dubai. He joins fellow forward Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, and it leaves the Gunners without a recognised striker for the rest of the campaign.

Following injuries to Bukayo Saka and Jesus, Arsenal were keen to strengthen up front in January. Despite seeing a bid turned down for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, a move never materialised with Mikel Arteta having to go with what he has.

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Since then, Arsenal have suffered a double injury blow. Gabriel Martinelli has been ruled out for over a month after suffering an injury against Newcastle, with the Havertz absence now causing a selection headache for Arteta.

Fingers may now be pointed at the lack of transfers in January. So who was the man responsible following the exit of Edu as sporting director? We’ve taken a closer look.

Who is Jason Ayto?

Ayto came in as the interim replacement for Edu, following the Brazilian’s exit from Arsenal back in November. He originally arrived at the club in 2014 as a scout but was given more responsibility a few years later.

That has increased since Edu’s departure with Ayto the leading man on Arsenal’s transfers in the January window.

It was reported by the Daily Mail last month that Ayto has growing support within the club to take the role on a permanent basis. The club’s owners were said to be impressed by his work since taking interim charge and he is viewed as a ‘genuine contender’ for the vacancy.

What has Arteta said?

Speaking back in November, Arteta praised the work that Ayto did with Edu. “Edu and I probably got a lot of the praise, but the work behind it is done by this guy and Jason has been phenomenal,” he said.

“It is not easy to wake up one day and have to move to a different office and do a different job, like it was for the team. But again, the spirit, how people react, how they are willing to [say]: ‘Okay, that’s it, that’s the situation, let’s move forward’, with that ambition, and as well with that determination and that enthusiasm, that’s something great. Jason has been great on that.”

What Edu has said?

Speaking to the Athletic back in December, Edu explained how he feels that he’s ‘prepared’ Ayto to take the role.

“I felt since I arrived like I had to prepare someone for if I left one day,” he said. “I think it’s fair for the club — I did the same at Corinthians, and with Brazil. Someone has to understand all the information, to know everything internally and externally, and I felt Jason would be the one. And I said that to everyone internally.”

He added: “Listen, people need an opportunity. Remember when I arrived here, people said I didn’t have European experience. The club gave me the opportunity, and I showed I could do it. I strongly think I prepared someone else to do that — but people need the chance.”