<!--Article Start--> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>Arsenal FC left-back Nacho Monreal is close to completing a a 10 million switch to basque-side Athletic Bilbao, after having agreed a three-year-contract, according to Spanish Newspaper AS.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify">The <a href="http://www.thehardtackle.com/category/english-premier-league/arsenal/" target="_blank">Arsenal FC</a> defender has established himself as the first choice left back at The Emirates ahead of Englishman Kieran Gibbs, with a series of consistent solid displays for the Gunners last season. However, with only a year left on his contract, and the defender approaching the 30-year mark, Arsene Wenger may be tempted to sell the Spaniard.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Monreal fits the 'Basque-only' criteria of Bilbao</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">The former Malaga and AS Osasuna defender, fits the club's unwritten but mandatory, 'Basque-only' policy, and <a href="http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2015/07/15/primera/1436921713_708363.html" target="_blank">according to AS</a>, manager Arsene Wenger has been pondering whether the Spaniard's contract be extended or not. The 29-year-old has a clause in his contract, which allows the Gunners to trigger a one year extension, keeping him at the Emirates till 2017.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">If Monreal leaves, it would leave the North London outfit, short at the left back position, with only the injury prone Kieran Gibbs to count on, something a club of Arsenal's stature and ambitions, looking to compete for the Premier League will not force itself in, unless they are confident of concluding a deal for another player.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Spaniard out, Ghoulam in?</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">However, reputed Journalist Kike Marin of the El Confidencial has reported that, however, Arsene Wenger is willing to cash in on the Spaniard, a transfer is unlikely to happen until a replacement or an upgrade is signed.</p> . <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal">@Arsenal</a> Bilbao? Monreal only wants to leave <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Arsenal?src=hash">#Arsenal</a> if Wenger signs another one left back. Nacho has contract until 2016 + optional year.</p> a Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kike_Marin_/status/621209734096547840">July 15, 2015</a></blockquote> <p style="text-align: justify">Considering the shortage of World Class full-back's in the world, finding an improvement or an able replacement may be difficult. The names of Napoli's Faouzi Ghoulam has been touted as a potential replacement, with the gunners eyeing a a 10 million deal for the 24-year-old. Bayern Munich's David Alaba is also said to be on the radar of the Gunners, with Alaba having previously professed his love for Arsenal.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">If the Gunners are indeed able to pull off the signing of Alaba, a definite upgrade, it would be further proof of Wenger's new found ruthlessness, moving on one-dimensional players to bring in players who can offer that special something.</p> <!--Article End-->