The La Liga outfit are interested in bringing the Arsenal left-back back to Spain as a possible replacement for the already departed Alvaro Odriozola.
Arsenal are bracing themselves for a bid from Real Sociedad for one of their senior stars in Nacho Monreal. The Mirror reports that the La Liga outfit are trying to secure a move for the 32-year old as a possible replacement for Alvaro Odriozola who has already departed the club to join Real Madrid.
Quite how they plan to replace a right-back with a player predominantly known for his play on the left-hand side of the defence is unclear, but Real Sociedad are interested in making a deal for the veteran full-back. It could be possibly due to Monreal’s versatility that has seen him play expertly in many defensive positions a factor for this move.
Real Sociedad have a void to fill and replace their departed defender Alvaro Odriozola and are mainly looking for quality reinforcements which could also come in cheap on the price. Monreal still has two years left on his current Arsenal deal along with the option of extending the agreement by a further year.
Arsenal are heading into the new era after Arsene Wenger departed at the end of last season and new boss Unai Emery has since been busy trying to make signings that will fill the problem areas in the side. Emery has already made three signings for the club, a possibly a fourth in the coming days with a deal for Sampdoria’s Lucas Torreria all but completed.
Monreal has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in the last few seasons, and especially in 2017/18 when the entire side more or less under-performed as he made 38 appearances in all competitons. It is still unclear as to what role Emery would have for Monreal in the coming season, but the same Mirror story suggests the manager does not fancy the full-back as much.
When this gets clearer, Monreal would have had time to decide on his next move, but as of now, it is understood he is happy at the Emirates. If his situation is to change in the coming weeks, then a move to Real Sociedad could be on the cards, but it will still be challenging to convince the Spanish international to swap London for San Sebastian.
If Monreal does leave, Emery will have another task to find a replacement left-back as the only other option he would be only be left with only Sead Kolasinac, seemingly without any cover. Monreal was part of a disappointing Spanish squad at the World cup in Russia and will take a few weeks off before returning to Arsenal training.
