According to the latest reports, Arsenal left-back Naco Monreal has officially agreed to make the move to La Liga side Real Sociedad after spending six and a half years at the Emirates Stadium. But the veteran defender might decide to make the move to his native following the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The Story Of The Exit Of This Arsenal Defender And What Next For The Gunners?
Unai Emery had a mixed season in his debut campaign with Arsenal. It was in the last season as he took charge from the legendary Arsene Wenger. The Spaniard took the Gunners to a fifth-place position on the Premier League table. He had the chance to play Champions League football. If only he managed to win the Europa League final against Chelsea. Unfortunately for Emery, The Blues hammered Arsenal 4-1 in the final. Arsenal were forced to play in the Europa League the following term.
This summer has been quite a productive transfer window for the Gunners. They managed to bring in some much-needed reinforcements by signing David Luiz, Nicolas Pepe, Kieran Tierney, and Dani Ceballos. There were some departures that were announced early on before the season began. It seems like one more player will be leaving the Emirates before the close of the European transfer window on the 2nd of September.
Recent reports claim that Arsenal has fully agreed to offload Spanish defender Nacho Monreal. That is over the next two days as he plans a return to his homeland to join Real Sociedad. Monreal arrived at Arsenal back in the January transfer window of 2013 from Malaga. The transfer fee was of around £9m. He scored 10 goals for the club by racking up over 250 appearances. Monreal helped Arsenal to win three FA Cup’s during his stint with Arsenal and made his Spain debut back in 2009 receiving 28 international caps in the process.
What Next For Unai Emery And The North London Giants?
Monreal started all of Arsenal’s three games this season and even captained the team against Burnley but Emery decided that it was time for the defender to move on after the signing of Kieran Tierney from Celtic this summer. The 22-year-old left-back is likely to be the long term successor to Monreal at Arsenal and that would lead to less playing time for the 33-year-old.
A statement from Arsenal football club read, “During his time with us, Nacho played in his natural left-back position and also in central defense. He won three FA Cups, three Community Shields. The Spaniard played a big part in our run to the Europa League final last season. We would like to thank Nacho for his contribution to the club. Everyone at Arsenal wishes him the best for his future”
Monreal will join Real Sociedad on a two-year deal. That is with the option to extend his stay at the Spanish club for another season. Emery will be hoping that since Tierney is out injured, Sead Kolasinac can be counted upon to impress for Arsenal. Though there are still doubts over his defensive abilities as the 26-year-old. He has been caught out on a few occasions. Emery might ponder offloading Kolasinac as well.
