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Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal has been linked with a return to Spain before the European transfer window closes.
Monreal arrived at Arsenal on deadline day in 2013 has made over 250 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and 20 assists during his time in North London. Notionally a left-back, he has also operated as an auxiliary centre-half on occasion, or formed part of a three at the back when Arsenal have switched formation.
Now Real Sociedad are reported to be closing in on a move for the 33-year old, with a return thought to interest Monreal’s wife who hails from the Basque country.
In theory Arsenal, having now signed Kieran Tierney from Celtic, might be amenable to letting Monreal go. However, the Scottish international is still recovering from injury, and it depends on whether Unai Emery is prepared to let his most experienced remaining defender leave at this critical early juncture of the season.
Monreal has started all of Arsenal’s three Premier League games this season, including the 3 – 1 defeaat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.