Arsenal have offered the job of technical director to Monchi - and fully expect him to take it.

Monchi, 50, has been Arsenal ’s first choice to take up the post and there is a buy-out clause - estimated to be around £1m - in his contract with Roma which expires in 2020.

Spaniard Monchi, who is highly regarded within European football, knows Unai Emery from their time together at Sevilla and his potential arrival will be seen as a major boost for the Arsenal manager.

Arsenal have also looked at former winger Marc Overmars who is currently at Ajax but Monchi is their preferred option.

Roma are braced for Monchi’s departure and already looking for a replacement but Arsenal have moved quickly because there is strong interest in him from elsewhere.

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Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United are among the clubs watching developments but Monchi is understood to be keen on a switch to the Premier League.

The technical director appointment is a big one for Arsenal after recent upheaval which saw head of recruitment Sven Mislintat leave after being overlooked for the job as he was appointed by former chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

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With limited funds in this window and also the squad in need of a major overhaul, Arsenal know they must get the appointment right and Monchi’s expertise, contacts and experience is why he is their No1 choice.

But they are likely to have to wait until the summer for his arrival, although if he does take another job then Roma may put him on gardening leave.