Arsenal have been linked with former Barcelona sporting director Raul Sanllehi repeatedly this month, but who is he, and why should the Gunners want him?

Ever since the start of October, rumours have been circulating that Sanllehi could be looking to move to England, as he leaves his role with Barcelona. Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing him in as Director of Operations.

Sanllehi has been heavily involved in Barcelona’s transfer business for the past few years. He was a key part of the club’s moves for Neymar, Luis Suarez and Alexis Sanchez.

Although two of those moves ended in departures, all three contributed heavily to the club’s success on the pitch with their goals, and Neymar and Alexis Sanchez made them a massive amount of money on leaving as well.

Bringing someone in with experience of negotiating some of the top deals in football couldn’t hurt the Gunners with the current state of transfer business.

Arsenal got £15m or less this summer for Wojciech Szczesny, Gabriel Paulista and Kieran Gibbs, despite all three approaching their peak years.

If Sanllehi could bring in a bit more money for deals like that in the future, he’d be a good appointment.

Raul also almost managed to complete the signing of Jean Seri for Barcelona over the summer, before the Catalan club pulled out, so he could help the Gunners get that deal over the line as well.

I’m still not convinced that the club are willing to bring him in and divide up transfer duties further, considering Arsène Wenger’s comments about Directors of Football in the past. But Arsenal bringing in staff from top European clubs in behind-the-scenes roles is something I’m sure many fans would be happy to see.