It came as no surprise to learn that the career of Nacho Monreal is over at Arsenal
Carl Long of The Sun revealed the left back was leaving North London and cited sources NBC journalist Gerry Stuart and Spanish publication AS, who claimed the full-back’s six-year stint at the Emirates is now over.
The article also claimed that interest was being shown by Real Sociedad, who were looking to secure the 33 year old’s services upon ending his association with the gunners.
It’s said that the player has left by mutual agreement with his contract officially over on July 1st, but there has been no official announcement at present.
This means that Arsenal will now have to double their efforts to secure a suitable replacement but to date, Celtic are holding out for a bigger fee than Arsenal’s initial offer of £15m for Kieran Tierney.
Monreal’s last two seasons have seen a drastic drop off in form, quality and consistency as Father Time crept up on the Spaniard and gave him a cuddle.
The premiership is an unforgiving league which is built on fluidity and speed. Nacho Monreal found himself adrift in recent season, unable to respond in the way he had at his peak. He wasn’t suddenly a yard slower, it was more like two, but his reactions were also missing and he was acting on memory in certain games, trying to stay in contention.
Nacho Monreal arrived at Arsenal in 2013 and he added a great attacking option and sharp defensive skill to the side, which in turn, made him a regular in the Spanish national team. He made an outstanding 248 appearances and scored 10 goals.
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Before Arsene Wenger left, there were question marks about a contract extension and the last two years have shown that Emery was never going to agree to a new offer.
Nacho Monreal has been a great servant to the club but he is two years past his sell by date if we are all honest with ourselves.