The clock is ticking down to the summer transfer window where Arsenal remain linked with moves for a number of different players.
Denis Suarez remains one of the key possibilities for the Gunners. With the Barcelona man currently on loan at Arsenal, the next few months appear in essence to be a long-term trial for the midfielder.
Among the other names repeatedly being linked with a move to the red side of north London is Lille’s Nicolas Pepe, who has been a reported transfer target in both of the last two windows.
However, the most key position that Arsenal still need filling is that of their technical director.
Former player Marc Overmars is reportedly a key contender, while former Roma sporting director Monchi is also a prominent name in the frame now he has departed the Serie A club.
Roma have officially confirmed the departure of Monchi by mutual consent. The man Arsenal want to appoint as sporting director had his contract with the Serie A club mutually terminated on Friday – just two days after Roma were eliminated from the Champions League following defeat in Porto.
The announcement brings to an end a mixed time for the Spaniard in the Italian capital. Roma did reach the Champions League semi-final during his first year at the club, but things have not gone so well in his second season.
In a statement on the club website, the 50-year-old said: “I would like to thank president Pallotta, the club’s management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club.”
football.london understands Head of football at Arsenal, Raul Sanllehi, wants Monchi to come in and work within the management structure as sporting director.
Arsenal hope that bringing the Spaniard in could see him and Unai Emery bring the type of success to the Emirates that they enjoyed when they worked together at Sevilla.
Monchi’s reputation was built on the work he did at Sevilla, where he uncovered a host of players during his 17-year tenure as director of football. On a relatively strict budget, players such as Dani Alves, Julio Baptista, Seydou Keita and Ivan Rakitic were brought in and then eventually sold at a high price to fund the next rebuilding job.