Arsenal manager Unai Emery could be set to reunite with Monchi following news that his fellow Spaniard has allegedly been offered the role of technical director at the North London club.
The duo worked together in Spain in what proved to be a successful partnership at Sevilla, and now they could be on the cusp of joining forces over in England at Arsenal, with the 50-year-old the preferred choice over Gunners icon Marc Overmars who is working at Ajax, as reported in The Mirror.
Monchi is currently working at Roma but is believed to have a £1million buy-out clause in his contract, which expires next year, and he could well trade jobs to Arsenal in the summer. If appointed, the aforementioned publication states that his “expertise, contacts and experience” should help Arsenal lure over any potential targets.
The Gunners brought in the likes of Lucas Torreira, Bernd Leno, Sokratis, and Matteo Guendouzi last summer, then winger Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona last month. However, fans hope that the club can lure over some star power this summer in order to orchestrate a challenge for major honours next term.
Who is Monchi?
Monchi didn’t exactly set the world alight during his playing days, but the goalkeeper turned director of football in 2000 played a pivotal role in Sevilla’s surge to 11 honours, including five Europa League trophies - three of which were won under Emery - and a couple of Copa del Rey triumphs.
Itarsenal.com states that he helped Sevilla to over €300m in profits due player sales, while he had a network of 700 scouts, and discovered the likes of Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas, and Jose Antonio Reyes.
Since 2017 Monchi has been at Serie A side Roma, but the latest indication is that he’s heading to England’s capital.
Arsenal fans have since reacted to the reports on social media.
The arrival of Monchi looks very promising given the relationship him and Emery had in Sevilla. On the other hand, the club won’t progress quickly if we only have a £50m transfer budget. This is why Champions League qualification is so important money and progress wise. (@ThePolishGunz)
I hope it's true what's been reported in Marca and Monchi joins us in June. It's vital that there is a good understanding between the head coach and DOF and as Monchi and Emery have had a successful partnership before it's a no brainer imo (@garythegooner56)
We’re actually getting Monchi masterclass from him and Emery in the summer (@AFCxmeron)
A master of profit, Monchi is by far the best at spending little and creating fortunes, as you can see on this chart, Monchi turned €58.7m into €361.5m! He has always been wanted by Barcelona, and the evidence why is clear. What a signing for @Arsenal! (@EduardoHagn)
If we are serious about getting Monchi, which I believe we are, then it shows the club are going to fully back Emery (@TL_Mason)
This could be a big turning point for Arsenal. England simply wasn’t on Monchi’s radar, despite many trying to convince. One stumbling block, Monchi will need some money.... (@CarrieBrownTV)
Although it’s fair to say that a number of Arsenal fans have been left less than impressed at the reports that the club have offered Monchi the position.
Really ?!?!? That’s the best we can do? , with David Dein sitting around doing nothing. I despair at how this club is run at board level (@footballitalia)
Mislintant should have been a much better option. Why Arsenal let him go is really baffling @allkadz
Right around the holidays I thought it was impossible, but within the last 3-4 weeks — everything has changed. I would almost call it a certainty that he leaves.
