Arsenal are hopeful of persuading Roma sporting director Monchi to make the move to the Emirates, according to reports in the UK.

The Spaniard worked closely with Unai Emery at Sevilla and the Gunners boss is keen to link up with his former colleague once again.

When asked about the links to Arsenal today, Monchi said he was flattered by the reports, although he emphasised that he is fully focused on his work at Roma:

“I know my name is being associated with Arsenal but I am concentrating on my job with Roma. However it is a pleasure being linked with a club like Arsenal – but it is not first time that happens.”

A lot of fans on Twitter would back a move for the Giallorossi’s transfer guru:

Hope this is true , sad to see Ministlat leave but no point having a head of recruitment that has no relationship with the manager , it has to be a team off the pitch as well as on it

— Yash (@Yashman67) 22 January 2019

Hope he can bring under with him when coming.. Master stroke of a deal both ways.

— Shaun Pelz (@sammypels) 22 January 2019

Please take him

— chow (@wheelshunt) 23 January 2019

I think I would be ok with Sven leaving if we grabbed Monchi as a replacement. Seems like a good replacement.

— PauL (@itsCalvert) 22 January 2019

@grunwats big if true

— Kerton Clayshaw (@meke804) 22 January 2019

So we have approached him ?

— LACABLUDCATZETTE (@kROENKEOUTT) 23 January 2019

Some, however, are worried by his recent track record:

The man that bottled Malcom? No thanks

— z (@ItsUnderControI) 22 January 2019

I will reserve judgement until A. He arrives B. Brings in high quality players C. Gets rid of any player approaching the final 2 years of their contract & refusing to sign a new one

— Edward Keogh (@EagleEyeEd) 23 January 2019

The Gunners are looking for a replacement for Sven Mislintat. It has been officially announced by the London club that the German will leave next month.

The head of recruitment was reportedly unhappy at the lack of power he had over transfers with Director of Football Raul Sanllehi and Unai Emery having greater input on transfer targets.