Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Spanish veteran Nacho Monreal, who returns to Spain, joining Real Sociedad in a permanent transfer.
Premier League giants Arsenal have officially announced the departure of Nacho Monreal on a permanent transfer. The Spanish veteran completes his return to Spain with a move to Real Sociedad; the transfer is all but done with a few regulatory processes left.
“We would like to thank Nacho for his contribution to the club and everyone at Arsenal wishes him the best for his future,” the announcement read.
Nacho Monreal arrived at Arsenal from Malaga in January 2013. The Spaniard has since accumulated 251 appearances for the Gunners over six and a half years. During his time at the Emirates, Monreal won the only trophies of his senior career to date, being a part of the Arsenal squad that won 3 FA Cups.
The transfer though, is an expected one, with the veteran linked with an exit for the past month. Arsenal delved into the transfer market to sign Kieran Tierney from Celtic. While Monreal has featured in all of Arsenal’s Premier League games in the 2019-20 campaign, it is mainly due to Tierney’s injury and the subsequent rehabilitation.
Also, Sead Kolasinac was embroiled in an off-field incident along with Mesut Ozil and was hence, kept out of action. But, with Tierney expected to return by the end of September and Kolasinac now presumably, ready to be included in the starting eleven, it is fitting that Monreal is allowed to complete his return to Spain.
One of the other reasons in favour of retaining Monreal was the lack of options at centre-back. But, the arrival of David Luiz seems to have solved that problem.
As for Real Sociedad, they do have the enterprising 22-year-old Aihen Munoz and Kevin Rodriguez as options for the left side of the back four. Munoz seems to be the first-choice under Imanol Alguacil. But, with Kevin Rodriguez indefinitely sidelined with gastric problems, Monreal’s addition makes sense.
To add to it, the Real Sociedad squad, especially the backline, is very young and Monreal’s arrival would add invaluable experience and leadership in defence while also providing the youngsters a player to learn from.
