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.