Arsenal miss out on Monchi as Sevilla confirm return of profit-turning transfer wizard
The Gunners thought they were in pole position to land the ex-Roma chief but he has opted to head back to his former club
ARSENAL have missed out on transfer wizard Monchi.
The ex-Roma director of football was expected to take on the same role at the Emirates after leaving the Serie A club earlier this month.
But the former goalkeeper, 50, has instead decided to return to Sevilla, where he enjoyed 17 successful years as director of football after hanging up his gloves.
After reports of talks being held, the Spanish club made the announcement on their official website this morning.
A statement read: "Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, Monchi, returns to what will always be his home.
"Sevilla FC and Monchi have reached an agreement for the San Fernando to return to what had been his position until two years ago, as general sports director.
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"Its incorporation will be effective from April 1. His presentation will be this Monday, March 18, starting at 1pm at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan."
Sevilla won five Uefa Cups and Europa Leagues, two Copa del Reys and the Uefa Super Cup during his time as director.
But as well as the tournament success Sevilla enjoyed during his time in the role, it was his success with transfers that forged his strong reputation.
Monchi brought the likes of Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes into the Sevilla academy before they broke into the first team and were sold for big profit.
He also made the club lots of money through the sales of Dani Alves, Julio Baptista and Ivan Rakitic.
The statement added: "Sevilla FC could not be understood without Monchi because Monchi is Sevilla FC.
"The first 17 years of the 21st century will always be remembered as the Monchi Era, an era that returns with new vigour... so that the recent successes will not take long to repeat."
Arsenal have struggled behind the scenes over recent months with chief executive Ivan Gazidis and head of recruitment Sven Mislintat both announcing their departures.
That has led to the club beginning the search to appoint a director of football for the first time.
Monchi looked to be the ideal candidate due to his proven track record with players and when he left Roma it looked nailed-on that he would head to the Emirates before Sevilla swooped.
The Gunners must now look elsewhere if they want to fill the post.
Legend Marc Overmars reportedly wants to return to the Premier League and become the club's new technical director.
He is in the same role at Dutch giants Ajax but could be in line for a move back to his former club.