Arsenal have formally approached Monchi to become their technical director and fully expect the Roma chief to accept the position, according to a report.
The Gunners are believed to have fast-tracked the appointment of a new transfer guru as they know the importance of having a new man in place ahead of the summer window opening.
Despite Marc Overmars being linked with the position, which has become available following Sven Mislintat's departure midway through the season, The Mirror claims that Monchi has always been Arsenal's preferred choice.
Monchi, who has previously worked with Unai Emery at Sevilla, is said to have a £1m buyout clause in his contract with Roma and Arsenal are happy to pay that sum.
The Giallorossi are resigned to losing the 50-year-old and have already started looking for a replacement, though the Gunners may have to first see off competition from Paris Saint-Germain and domestic rivals Manchester United.
Daniel Lewis
