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Arsenal target Monchi leaves Roma after disappointing spell as director

Roma have confirmed Monchi has ended his disappointing spell at the club, amid reports the sporting director will move to Arsenal -- Monchi's exit comes soon after the sacking of Eusebio Di Francesco as manager.

Monchi left Sevilla and joined Roma in 2017 and had been billed as one of the best transfer gurus in the game. However, while he ensured the Giallorossi brought in big fees for some of their biggest names, the replacements have generally not proved to be up to scratch.

"I want to put on record our thanks to Monchi for his dedication during his time at the club and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours in football," AS Roma CEO Guido Fienga said.

Meanwhile, Monchi, who issued an apology on Twitter following an altercation with supporters at the airport after Roma's loss to Porto in the Champions League, wished his former side all the best.

"I would like to thank President Pallotta, the club's management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club," Monchi said. "I wish Roma a lot of success in the future."

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Leandro Paredes (Zenit St. Petersburg), Antonio Rudiger, Emerson Palmieri (both Chelsea), Alisson (Liverpool), Radja Nainggolan (Inter Milan) and Kevin Strootman (Marseille) are among the big names who were allowed to leave the club under Monchi's watch -- while has also pushed club icon Francesco Totti into retirement.

Replacements Cengiz Under, Justin Kluivert, Ante Coric, Javier Pastore and Steven Nzonzi have proved inconsistent. His decision to bring in Robin Olsen in place of Alisson is a move which has drawn particularly strong criticism from supporters.

Monchi has been heavily linked with Arsenal where he would be reunited with former Sevilla boss Unai Emery, as a replacement for the departed Sven Mislintat.

Roma have also confirmed Frederic Massara will take on Monchi's duties at the club.

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