Aston Villa director of football Monchi has admitted he expects more Argentinian players to arrive at the club in future given the success they’ve already had.
Ole cover comments from Monchi today as he appeared at their sports summit being hosted through throughout this week.
The Spaniard held a virtual one-on-one from Birmingham and was naturally drawn into a conversation about Dibu Martínez.
He is currently one of the heroes of Argentina after his performances for the Albiceleste in two Copa America and one World Cup success over the last few years.
The 32-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best signings Aston Villa have ever made, rising to the level of world star and two-time Yashin Trophy after joining Aston Villa from Arsenal in a €17.4m deal from Arsenal in September 2020.
He’s not the only Argentine to arrive at the club in recent years, with Enzo Barrenechea arriving from Juventus this summer and Emiliano Buendía signing in a €38.4m deal from Norwich City in 2021.
Monchi believes they won’t be the last to be signed either as Argentina continues to go through a golden period of developing young talent for the future.
“I am obviously convinced that there will be,” he said.
“Argentine football is a breeding ground for talent, we closely monitor the championship. I don’t know if in the next transfer market, but they will continue to be part of our club, for sure.”
Monchi also explained how he and Unai Emery work on transfers at Aston Villa, giving some genuine insight into what goes on in the background: “I plan the transfer market with a scouting department and a data department. Data is important but not infallible. We have to shorten the time taken to make decisions and reduce the margin of error. We oversee approximately 32 championships divided into three levels (class A, B and C). Argentina is class A.
“The coach chooses the profiles he needs, not the names. We select a list, we refine it to around 15 players and at that stage I sit down with Emery and we choose four or five. With those I start to negotiate to see conditions, salary, possibility of leaving, etc. From there the chosen one finally comes out.
“Money opens up opportunities but it doesn’t bring you success. Aston Villa have invested a lot but they are also one of the biggest earners. We reinvested what we had generated, but we are still a long way from the clubs that dominate English football.”
