Arsenal blow with Sevilla in talks with Monchi for their sporting director role
The Italian spent 17 years with the La Liga side and helped them win 11 trophies, including five Uefa Cup and Europa League titles
SEVILLE are in talks with Monchi for their sporting director role in a huge blow for Arsenal.
The Spaniard, 50, left Italian giants Roma last week and was thought to be in line for move to the Emirates as a Director of Football.
However, report that Seville have been in contact to bring Monchi back to the club, after he worked as a sporting director for 17 seasons in Spain.
Seville president, José Castro revealed they have “begun negotiations” with the Italian - as look to recruit a sporting director.
Castro said: "We're looking for the best Sporting Director, and that is Monchi.
“We have begun negotiations and we want to reach an agreement soon.”
Monchi spent his playing career as a goalkeeper at Sevilla before taking on the role as Director of Football at the same club in 2000.
In his 17 years in the post, Monchi helped them win 11 trophies, including five Uefa Cup and Europa League titles.
Three of these were won by current Arsenal boss Unai Emery in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
But it was his ability to unearth young talent that has earned him such a strong reputation.
Most Read Arsenal News
He helped find the likes of Sergio Ramos and Jose Antonio Reyes and brought them through the club's academy.
Meanwhile, he signed Dani Alves, Julio Baptista and Ivan Rakitic before selling them on for big profits.