Everton are in talks to bring former Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi to Goodison Park. However, as we scrutinise Sanllehi’s performance at Arsenal, the question arises: Should Everton proceed with this decision?

• Everton’s potential move to bring in Raul Sanllehi, former Arsenal head of football, may not be as favourable as it seems.
• During his time at Arsenal, Sanllehi’s performance and decisions raised concerns.
• A closer look at Sanllehi’s past actions suggests Everton might want to rethink their decision.

Everton are contemplating the decision to bring Raul Sanllehi, the former head of football at Arsenal, into a leadership role at the club.

The Toffees are seeking to rebuild following two consecutive seasons where they found themselves fighting to maintain their Premier League status.

Sanllehi’s tenure at Arsenal, a cause for concern

Sanllehi spent close to three years at the Emirates as part of the attempt to rebuild following Arsene Wenger’s departure after over two decades at the club.

However, his tenure was marked by several questionable decisions and statements which cast doubt on his capabilities as a football executive.

The 56-year-old made headlines last year when he expressed concerns that Arsenal had made a ‘mistake’ by allowing Mikel Arteta to manage the same responsibilities Wenger had during his spell at the club.

“I do not agree when clubs call the first-team coach ‘the manager,’ Sanllehi told The Athletic. “First-team coach is first-team coach, that is enough. Nowadays, the workload is overwhelming, and I need him to concentrate on the first team.”

Of more significant concern, perhaps, are the questions surrounding some of the transfer decisions made during Sanllehi’s time at Arsenal.

He was at the helm during the controversial £72m transfer of Nicolas Pepe, a deal that has come under scrutiny due to its high cost and lack of return on investment. The year before, Pepe was valued at just £27m and even his club couldn’t believe how much Arsenal were offering for the winger.

The transfer has raised questions about the recruitment processes under Sanllehi’s stewardship.

He also pushed the club to hire Unai Emery instead of Mikel Arteta, helped bring David Luiz to the club, and delivered Dani Ceballos on loan.

After he left, according to ESPN, Arsenal “launched an internal investigation into their recruitment processes amid concerns that had been raised over several transfers including the club-record £72 million purchase of Nicolas Pepe from Lille.”

With this context in mind, Everton’s decision to consider Sanllehi for a role at the club appears risky.

His track record at Arsenal raises concerns about his ability to lead the Toffees back to Premier League stability.

Only time will tell if Everton will proceed with their plans to hire the ex-Arsenal chief or if they will choose to tread a more cautious path.

As Everton ponder their decision, it is imperative that they weigh the implications of Sanllehi’s past performance at Arsenal.