Monchi to Arsenal? AS Roma sporting director leaves post, sparking rumours of Unai Emery reunion

AS Roma‘s sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, aka ‘Monchi‘, has left his post by mutual consent, sparking reports he could join up with former Sevilla manager Unai Emery at Arsenal.

The 50-year-old, one of the most highly-rated recruitment specialists in Europe, has followed manager Eusebio Di Francesco through the exit door at Stadio Olimpico after Roma were knocked out of the Champions League against Porto on Wednesday night.

Reports in Italy suggest Monchi had become increasingly alienated with his role after a poor start to the season but that an angry confrontation with the club’s fans following defeat in Portugal was the final straw.

“I would like to thank president Pallotta, the club’s management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club,” Monchi said upon his departure on Friday.

Past success with Emery

The Spaniard spent nearly two decades at Sevilla where he helped build the side that won three consecutive Europa League titles under Emery before joining Roma in 2017.

Following the departure of head of recruitment Sven Mislintat in January, Monchi is said to be top of Arsenal’s shortlist as his replacement.

Speaking earlier this year about the prospect of working with Monchi once again, Emery said: “I worked very well with him in Sevilla for three and a half years and my relationship with him is good. He is a good person and a good professional.”

In 2015, Monchi also spoke of Emery in glowing terms: “Unai is critical for our model to be successful. He obtains results when we need them, he improves the players and is popular with our fans. He is the perfect fit [as head coach].”

While at Sevilla, Monchi is credited with recruiting the likes of Dani Alves, Julio Baptista, Jesus Navas, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Ramos and former Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes before selling them on for significantly larger fees.

A spokeswoman for Arsenal said: “This is just speculation and we don’t comment on speculation.”