Wenger CONFIRMS £65,000-A-Week Defender Will Player For Arsenal Next Season

Contrary to speculation, reports state that Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal is not departing the Emirates stadium this transfer window. The player impressed when called upon last term; and rather than being shipped out on loan, Arsene Wenger has decided to keep him for next season.

The 29 year-old player, who can feature both as a full-back and as a centre-back, is known for his defensive solidity and willingness to overlap productively. He had toward the end of last season, established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back ahead of Kieran Gibbs, and looks to carry on the same form into the new season.

En-route to Arsenal’s FA cup triumph last term, he put in a solid defensive performance as well as an equally positive attacking contribution, creating over a dozen goal chances.

Reports state that when it seemed like the player appeared to stall in proceedings to extend his contract- which has only months to run down- at the club, Spanish side Athletico Bilbao were prompted to make inquiries into his availability, and even allegedly tabled a £7 million bid for him- which Arsenal had no intention of responding positively to.

It is now expected that the player pens a new deal to extend his stay at the club.