Arsenal: Emery ‘working normally’ with Mislintat despite exit
The north London side have sought a new head of recruitment after Mislintat left his post on February 8.
The German transfer guru reportedly had differences of opinion with Arsenal director of football Raul Sanllehi but was expected to be replaced by revered transfer specialist Monchi.
I've chosen Sevilla because its sporting project convinced me
Monchi
The Independent is reporting that means the two lead names are now Robert Fernandez and Andoni Zubizarreta.
Fernandez worked was Barcelona sporting director from 2015 to 2018, succeeding Zubizaretta in the role.
The former now commentates on beIN SPORT, while Zubizaretta has continued his line of work at Marseille.
Sanllehi worked with both men during his nine years as director of football at the Catalans, leaving for Arsenal in November 2017.
Arsenal news: Robert Fernandez and Andoni Zubizarreta are frontrunners to be head of recruitment (Image: Getty)
Arsenal news: Robert Fernandez spent three years as Barcelona's transfer specialist (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
That link makes both men more likely to arrive than other back-ups to Monchi, who include former players Marc Overmars, now Ajax director of football, and Edu, a coordinator for Brazil national team.
Mislintat’s departure and Monchi’s snubbing are real blow to Arsenal, who will now feel pressured to seal whoever is their first choice.
Both Mislintat and Monchi clearly felt reticent to throw themselves into the structure Arsenal are developing, with Monchi citing as much in his statement confirming his return to Sevilla.
Arsenal news: Andoni Zubizarreta was pivotal in Marseille's recent signing of Mario Balotelli (Image: Getty)
Arsenal news: Monchi decided to not take the project he was offered at the Gunners (Image: Getty)
"I thank Arsenal for their interest," said Monchi, who worked with Arsenal boss Unai Emery during their time together at Sevilla.
"It has been the club that has shown the most interest in me but, in the end, I evaluated all of the offers I had on the table and I chose the one that convinced me most.
"I had other options, and very important ones that were flashier, but I've chosen Sevilla because its sporting project convinced me.”