Arsenal to make move for Monchi
ARSENAL will offer the position of technical director to Roma supremo Monchi. The Spaniard has a release clause in his contract, believed to be around £1million. The fee will not deter the Gunners, who yesterday were drawn against Rennes in the Europa League last 16. Sources claim Monchi is leaning towards ending his two-year spell in Italy to move to England, where he has always wanted to work.
Sportsmail revealed this month that Monchi, who worked with Arsenal boss Unai Emery at Sevilla, was the main target after interest in Ajax’s Marc Overmars cooled. Roma are already identifying replacements. Monchi’s ability to spot talent early — including the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Dani Alves and Seydou Keita — is a big attraction given the tight budget at the club. He will have £45m for transfers this summer. Arsenal play Southampton in the Premier League tomorrow and Emery said: ‘For us the league is the first competition. We’re fighting with Manchester United and Chelsea for fourth place so Sunday is a big challenge again.’ Alexandre Lacazette will miss both legs of the Rennes tie after UEFA extended his ban for an elbow against BATE Borisov to three matches.