It’s no secret that Arsenal were and still are looking for a director of football to help Unai Emery with transfers at the Emirates.
Numerous names have come and gone, such as Andoni Zubizarreta, who will be staying at Marseille, and Monchi, who decided to return to Sevilla instead of move to London when leaving his job at Roma.
The latter of the two would have been an ideal appointment in the eyes of many among the Emirates faithful, and many bemoan the fact he somehow slipped through the Gunners’ fingers.
It wasn’t for lack of trying, however, as Unai Emery revealed in an interview with Cadena Ser on El Larguero that he was in contact with his former work partner.
He said: “The club always had the idea of incorporating someone to be the hinge between board and team, and there were several candidates. One was Monchi, who has an important reputation.
“I have a very good relationship. We spoke a couple of times, and, in the end, I work well with all. Everyone I’ve worked with, it’s gone well, as it did with him.”
With the position still vacant, it remains to be seen who the club end up appointing, but it’s fair to say having someone in the role for the current transfer window would have been ideal, especially with Arsenal seemingly working on a tighter than usual budget over the coming months.
It doesn’t help this also tends to be Monchi’s speciality, having achieved wonders at Sevilla (not so much at Roma) in the past with limited funds.
