Arsenal’s veteran defender Nacho Monreal is attracting interest from La Liga side Real Sociedad who could make a move in the coming days.
The transfer window for Premier League clubs might have come to a close, but for other European Leagues, notably La Liga the period ends on 2nd September. While English clubs cannot sign anybody, they sure can sell some of their players. According to Spanish journalist Kike Marin, Nacho Monreal could be subject of a move to La Liga as Real Sociedad are interested in the veteran defender.
Arsenal ended their somewhat successful summer window dramatically as they made two defensive signings on the deadline day. Kieran Tierney joined from Celtic in a £25 million deal, while David Luiz also made a move across London from Chelsea in an £8 million move. While Luiz was a direct replacement for Laurent Koscielny, Tierney’s arrival means there are three recognised left-backs at Arsenal.
Sead Kolasinac is the other left-back, and the Bosnian has firmly established himself in Unai Emery’s plans. Tierney will provide an alternate option based on the system Emery wants to play, leaving Monreal in an uncertain situation. The veteran Spaniard could be deemed surplus to requirements, and according to the journalist, Arsenal could be willing to accept a reasonable option for the defender.
Real Sociedad are showing an interest in the defender as they will still be able to sign him before La Liga’s deadline of 2nd September. Sociedad wants Monreal to add experience to their backline and help the side make progress from their 9th place finish last term. If Arsenal are willing to sell him, then Monreal might be interested in a return to La Liga.
The Spanish star was linked with a move away previously. Barcelona were notably showing an interest in the left-back as they were seeking a player to cover for Jordi Alba. Barcelona never really followed up on their interest. Furthermore, Monreal signed a one-year contract extension, meaning he has a deal with the club until 2020.
Sociedad could look to make a deal with Arsenal and bring Monreal in a cut-price move. Arsenal are thought to be willing to sell the veteran defender with one year left, as they want to balance the books. The Gunners, despite their reported £45 million budget early on, ended up spending quite a bit on signings. The Gunners now seem desperate to recoup some of the cash.
Monreal would be ideal for Sociedad and their push for European places in the coming season. He could help the Gunners out in the centre of defence, although his primary forte remains at left-back. With Arsenal well-stocked at left-back after deadline day, it won’t come as a surprise if Monreal leaves the club after playing more than five seasons at the Emirates.
