Nacho Monreal has recently been linked with a somewhat surprising move away from Arsenal, and Spanish publication Marca claim the 29-year-old is set to imminently complete a move to Athletic Bilbao, as reported by Sky Sports.
The full-back was superb last season, and deservedly wrestled top spot away from Kieran Gibbs. The fact he was such an important part of the squad makes it rather strange that we would be considering selling, but Sky Sports is more often than not a reliable source.
The report suggests the move hinges on our ability to turn our apparent interest in Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam into an actual transfer, so it could be a case of one in and one out. Marca claim the deal could be concluded within a week, which would give us plenty of time to get a replacement.
Monreal was unquestionably our best option at left-back last season, but going forward you can understand why he would be the one to make way. Gibbs boasts a home-grown status, which is becoming more and more important in the Premier League. Age is also on the Englishman’s side, with Monreal unlikely to have too many more years at the top level.
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Monreal’s Basque origins make him an attractive prospect for a number of La Liga sides, and after his recent displays it’s easy to see why they are so keen on luring him away from the Emirates.
Something a little more concrete may be required before this rumour starts to become truly believable, but it’s certainly one worth keeping an eye on.
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