Nacho Monreal – a low profile signing in January 2013, has worked his way up the pecking order and capitalised on chances in order to become the main starting left-back. His importance to the team was shown when manager Arsene Wenger reportedly blocked the Spaniard’s transfer to Athletic Bilbao. Arsenal wanted more than the £10m they paid for him back in 2013, and Bilbao refused to pay that high a fee for the 29-year-old.
Monreal is not spectacular in any sense, but he has proven his value by always defending solidly and staying out of the spotlight for the bad reasons. He became a regular in the XI by capitalising on Kieran Gibbs’ poor performances, and he has stayed in the team ever since. He crosses well overall, and is a good mentor to the young Spaniards at Arsenal like the club’s other starting full-back, Hector Bellerin.
It has been said many times over the years and in the summer window alone that the Basque club wanted the former Malaga man. Understandably, Bilbao thought £10m was a bit excessive for a 29-year-old, who may not have many fantastic years left in him.
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