The Arsenal football leadership team, under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, is set to meet with the club’s owners, the Kroenke family, to discuss strategic plans for building the squad in 2025
The meeting will include managing director Richard Garlick and vice-chair Tim Lewis, with Jason Ayto likely representing the recruitment team following the exit of sporting director Edu Gaspar.
Ayto, who was appointed assistant sporting director last year as part of a restructuring within the recruitment department, will temporarily step in to replace the Brazilian as Arsenal searches for a permanent sporting director. He played a crucial role in the summer transfer dealings, assisting Edu with negotiations. Ayto is fluent in Portuguese and has a solid reputation within European football circles.
James King, the new director of football operations, will join the discussions starting Monday and will provide support to the interim sporting director.
Arsenal is eager to find the right candidate for the sporting director position, especially given Edu’s impact during his five years at the helm. Many believe Ayto may be in line for the role permanently.
The club is still on the hunt for its first Premier League title since 2004, and the next sporting director will be tasked with overcoming the challenges posed by recent back-to-back second-place finishes to Manchester City.
As the transfer window approaches in January, Arsenal aims to strengthen their squad following a rocky start to the 2024-25 season. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League after ten matches, they find themselves seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Significant improvement is essential if they hope to contend for the title this season.
The Gunners’ recent form has been concerning, particularly after a strong start in the Champions League was halted at Inter Milan. They now face a critical London derby against Chelsea shortly after their defeat in Italy.
Mikel Arteta’s team suffered a second consecutive 1-0 loss on Wednesday, having also been edged out by Newcastle on the weekend. The atmosphere in north London could become tense with the upcoming trip to Stamford Bridge.
Despite the setbacks, Arteta is focusing on the positives. After the defeat to Inter Milan, where Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty marked their third loss in six matches, he addressed his players with an encouraging message.
“If we maintain our style of play, we’ll have a strong chance against Chelsea,” the Spaniard expressed. “I told the team that I’m proud of their performance.”
Arteta highlighted the team’s impressive display in Europe, despite the disappointment of not achieving the desired result.
Arsenal’s run of three consecutive clean sheets in the Champions League came to an end thanks to Calhanoglu’s precise penalty, awarded after a handball by Mikel Merino just before half-time, which will go on to eventually win inter the game.
