Monchi’s imminent departure comes with Villa 18th in the Premier League after a winless start to the season as manager Unai Emery continues to score, let alone collect three points in the opening half of the season.
The 57-year-old has been at the club for just over two years and news that he will leave was reported on Tuesday afternoon, which prompted Villa to rush to find a swift replacement.
Now, as reported by The Athletic, Villa are in advanced negotiations to appoint Roberto Olabe as their president of football operations after he exited Real Sociedad at the end of last season.
The former goalkeeper is well known to Emery, and reports suggest that he has reportedly given the green light for the Spaniard to take over the vacant position at the club.
Olabe saw the likes of Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino paid off. Youth products Mikel Oyarzabal, Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand rise up at Sociedad and could help with youth development at Villa over the next few years.
However, it is not yet clear why Monchi is certainly leaving the club at this time, with Villa in the Premier League's bottom three and yet to win after five games. What is certain however is that Villa have his replacement lined up which suggests the wheels are in motion.