Arsenal’s Spanish international defender Nacho Monreal has declared he will stay at Arsenal and sign a new contract, despite reports linking him with a move back to his native country.
Monreal has been one of the clubs most consistent performers this season, but reports had linked the defender with a transfer back to Spain, amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.
Some reports suggest Monreal has just one year left on his contract, but the player has now stated he wants to stay at the club ‘for many more years’ – he told reporters:
“I have one more year on my contract and I would like to stay. I am very lucky to play for Arsenal, and am very happy to play for Arsenal. If the boss wants me to stay I will – and I’d like to extend my contract.”
The news comes as a boost, as it was widely reported that he may leave this summer. But keeping Monreal, a regular in the starting eleven, means that Arsenal can continue to develop some of that ‘cohesion’ that Arsene Wenger recently talked about.
Arsenal need to ensure they lose no important players this summer and instead focus on adding quality. Wenger will not want to have to rebuild in any positions that don’t already require attention.
Monreal went on to praise team-mate, and left-back rival, Kieran Gibbs- who has been linked with a player exchange deal with Liverpool:
Kieran is an amazing player. I can imagine it is really difficult for the boss to choose between Kieran and me.”
“Obviously in football, only 11 players can start the game. The boss can choose between him or me. I think this is a good thing for the team. I have to give my best every day in training, or I wouldn’t play.”
“I think in this position, we are lucky as we have two good players. I have played a lot of games this season, I would like to continue.”
Like us on Facebook by clicking here and follow us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal to stay up to date with all the news, blogs and transfer updates. You can now follow our new Instagram page here