Nacho Monreal recently admitted that he would be open to a move to Athletic Bilbao at some point in the future – should it be sooner rather than later?
The 30-year-old joined the Gunners in January 2013 from Malaga and despite enduring a poor start to life at Arsenal, the Spaniard has established himself as first-choice left-back at the club since.
However, time looks to be catching up to Monreal this season, with the Spain international visibly slowing down in the pace and stamina department which has led to Arsenal being linked with possible replacements over recent weeks.
Atheltic Bilbao were heavily linked with a move for Monreal last summer, but he opted to remain at Arsenal and has a contract at the Emirates until 2019.
However, the former Malaga defender has recently admitted he would seriously consider a move to the La Liga club in the future:
‘I have great affection for Athletic but I think only about the present, not what could happen in the future.
‘Although I am keeping all my options open. I have some good friends already at the club such as Raul Garcia.’
Monreal, who has started 10 of Arsenal’s 11 Premier League games so far, is highly unlikely to depart the north London club this season.
However, a summer move could be on the offing for the Spaniard, with some sections of the Arsenal faithful believing his time could be coming to an end at the Emirates.
Having watched him this season, Monreal has most certainly lost a yard of pace and is not the same player he was two years ago. Defensively, he has been all over the place, with his positioning the most worrying aspect of his game. Going forward he is a bit better. But when he goes forward and Arsenal lose possession, he struggles to get back.
I wouldn’t be surprised, nor upset, if Wenger decides to cash in on him come the end of the season, leaving Kieran Gibbs to take up the role.
