Arsenal are set to appoint a new sporting director next month and are currently narrowing down their list of candidates before making a final decision.
The role has been vacant since Edu Gaspar resigned on November 4, with his deputy, Jason Ayto, stepping in on an interim basis. Ayto remains a contender for the permanent role, alongside other candidates such as Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe, and Thiago Scuro, all of whom have been discussed internally or have engaged in talks with the club.
Initially, a recruitment firm assisted Arsenal in compiling and evaluating a long list of candidates. Now, a smaller group has advanced to interviews with the club’s leadership. The club’s owners, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), are actively involved in the decision-making process, and no final call will be made without their approval.
Despite ongoing deliberations, Arsenal have yet to offer the position to any candidate. Paris Saint-Germain’s football advisor, Luis Campos, who has been linked to the role, is reportedly not under consideration.
Edu, a key figure in Arsenal’s 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ squad, became the club’s first-ever technical director in 2019. He played a pivotal role in hiring Mikel Arteta later that year before being promoted to sporting director in 2022.
Addressing concerns about the length of the hiring process, Arteta recently defended Arsenal’s approach, stating, “The club is following the process we believe is best to find the right person for where Arsenal is right now.”
Potential Candidates for Arsenal’s Sporting Director Role
Dan Ashworth
A highly experienced sporting director in English football, Ashworth has been linked to Arsenal following Edu’s departure. His career includes key roles at West Bromwich Albion, Brighton, and Newcastle United, where he played a major part in their recent success, including Champions League qualification.
Recently, Manchester United secured Ashworth to lead their INEOS-backed project at Old Trafford, but after just five months, his tenure ended amid disagreements, including his approach to replacing manager Erik ten Hag. Now free to speak with other clubs, Ashworth may seek a better fit for his next move.
Jason Ayto
Ayto has been with Arsenal for a decade, rising from a scouting role to become Edu’s assistant sporting director. He played a significant role in modernizing Arsenal’s recruitment structure and was heavily involved in key transfers, including Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
Since stepping in as interim sporting director, Ayto has continued leading Arsenal’s transfer strategy, including discussions for Martin Zubimendi. He has also presented a long-term plan for the club and is awaiting a decision on whether he will be given the job permanently.
Andrea Berta
Berta recently left Atletico Madrid after 12 years, where he helped build a squad that consistently competed with Barcelona and Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and reaching two Champions League finals.
The Italian has been preparing for a move to the Premier League and has been studying English in London. At Atletico, he was instrumental in major transfers, including Antoine Griezmann and Rodri, and played a key role in the club’s ability to refresh its squad efficiently.
With Arsenal looking to make strategic additions to their squad, Berta’s experience in high-level recruitment could be a valuable asset.