Jason Ayto has left Arsenal.
The former scout rose through the ranks and became Edu’s number two, and, when the Brazilian left the club last October, he was appointed interim Sporting Director.
He was in the running to be given the job on a permanent basis, and, by all accounts came close to getting the role, before eventually losing out to Andrea Beta.
Ayto was unfairly blamed by many supporters for the Gunners’ failure to bring in a striker in January, although this was very much a club decision and they seem happy to have made him the scapegoat.
He has been credited, though, with doing much of the groundwork for some of the expected transfers this summer, including bringing in Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
He will now begin a period of gardening leave before pursuing other career opportunities.
His departure is a further sign that Berta is already beginning to make his presence felt behind the scenes at the Emirates.
