According to latest reports, Real Sociedad have pulled out of the chase for Arsenal fullback, Nacho Monreal. Despite having a brilliant season with the Gunners, the 32-year-old was linked with exit rumours on the arrival of new manager, Unai Emery. It is understood that the North London outfit have no plans of moving the Spaniard along unless it is for a mind-boggling transfer amount.
This must be a huge boost for the Arsenal faithful as Monreal proved to be their best defensive option this past term as the club finished in the sixth spot of the Premier League for the second time in a row. Arsene Wenger had signed Sead Kolasinac at the beginning of the last campaign as a potential successor for the 32-year-old.
However, the Frenchman was rewarded for adding competition in the form of terrific consistent displays from his 2013 signing. Not only did Monreal upstage Kolasinac to the left-back position, he also established himself as one of the best players in his position in the entire Premier League. He was also effective on the offensive end with 6 crucial goals and 2 assists registered in 38 appearances last term. The former Osasuna player earned himself a spot in Julen Loptegui’s 23 man Spain squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
He has come a long way since his La Liga days with Los Rojillos and Malaga. Adjusting to the pace of the English game took some time but Monreal has come out on top over the past five seasons. Primarily a left-back, Monreal was also made a regular by Wenger in the three-man back formation last season. The Spaniard quickly adjusted to the new role to add some semblance of rigidity to the vulnerable Gunners backline.
At this age, Monreal has found a winning form in the Arsenal ranks and has summed up his career experience to become a top professional. With his contract set to run for another season, Emery is expected to rely heavily on the veteran for the upcoming season.
The new head coach has been tasked at returning the club to Champions League football which will require experienced heads such as Monreal in the club ranks. Arsenal have pretty much wrapped up their transfer business for the summer by adding Stephan Leichsteiner, Bernd Leno, Lucas Torreira, Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Matteo Guendouzi.
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Now Emery needs to charge ahead with his men to quickly fill into the shoes of Wenger. He will be hopeful that the 32-year-old Spaniard will be one of his prime weapons for the forthcoming season.
