The Gunners are set to announce a contract extension for Nacho Monreal, according to reliable reports from Mundo Deportivo.
The 29 year old defender had been widely criticised after his arrival at the club, but this season he has demonstrated consistency and quality at both left back and centre back. Despite him being 29, Wenger clearly feels he has a long term future at the club as he is set to sign a four year deal which will see his wage rise from £50,000 per week to £65,000.
This contract will probably mean Monreal finishes his career at the club, and it is yet another demonstration of how Wenger has changed from the days where he’d only offer one year contract to players over 30. Wenger can see the huge benefits of having experience in the team now, especially in defence. I think the loss of Bacary Sagna’s experience and versatility hurt, and Wenger was keen to avoid the same happening with Monreal.
As he moves into his 30’s, we might see Monreal play more regularly as a centre back. The Spaniard was forced to play in that position after an injury crisis at the Emirates, but in most of his appearances there, he was solid.
The Gunners are starting to make a habit of tying their best performers down to new contracts. It’s a refreshing sight, after spending years and years losing our best players because they got to the stage where there was only one year left on their contract and that gave the club little choice.
Do you think Arsenal are right to hand Monreal a four year contract at his age? Does he deserve a pay rise? Share your thoughts by commenting below.