Arsenal opinion – Emery would be wise to offload Nacho Monreal
According to a report in Express (h/t Sport), Spanish giants Barcelona are interested in signing Arsenal man Nacho Monreal in the summer transfer window. The left-back wants to play under Ernesto Valverde at Catalan.
As per the report, the 33-year-old wants to return to Spain, where he played for Osasuna and Malaga before joining the Gunners. He has just one year remaining on his Arsenal contract and it is highly unlikely that an extension would be agreed upon.
The report suggests that Barcelona are looking for a backup for Jordi Alba, who is their first-choice left-back. They are keeping a close eye on Alberto Moreno of Liverpool as well.
Amidst all that, here’s why Arsenal would be right to offload Monreal in the summer:
Better quality defenders are required
Even though Monreal can play as a left-back or as a left-sided centre-back, Arsenal could do with better quality defenders in both the positions.
While Sead Kolasinac is the other option for the left-back slot, it has been pretty clear that the team requires a more prodigious player in that position.
Furthermore, at 33, Monreal is embarking on the twilight of his career and playing as a full-back in the Premier League at this age might be too much to ask for, especially in Unai Emery’s high-tempo system.
Hence, it would make sense from the viewpoint of both Arsenal and the
£65,000-a-week Spaniard that they part ways sooner than later.
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Conclusion
Monreal’s contract expires next summer, hence, the Gunners must look to cash in on the player in the coming window rather than letting him go for free next year.