Unai Emery says he’s been impressed by Nacho Monreal since he arrived at the club and hopes that Arsenal can persuade his Spanish compatriot to sign a new deal.
Monreal last penned a contract at the Emirates in January 2016 and will be a free agent at the end of the season. He confirmed earlier this week that he’s happy in N5 and that negotiations over an extension had already begun.
Asked about the 32-year-old in his pre-Newcastle press conference, Emery said: “First, I knew Nacho Monreal in Spain when he was playing in Osasuna and in Malaga.
“After six years here, I came and I know him as a new Nacho Monreal.
“After two weeks, after two months and now, I can say that I am very happy with him because he is 32 years old but I think physically, with his performances with us in matches, he is playing with a very good level.
“The rest of that, for me, is very important. I think we need to find a new contract with him to stay with the Arsenal team.”
Monreal has so far made 215 appearances for the Gunners since signing from Malaga for £10 million in January 2012. That is the definition of a bargain.
Arguably our finest at his position
I think with a manager that really seem to like Hector and with Monreal and Lichtsteiner as mentors, it’s hard to blame anyone other than himself, if he doesn’t manage to become a bit more consistent than he’s been in the past.
I assume you mean Bellerin?
You got that right and the most consistent player for the past two years now at Arsenal
Great player. One of our most solid performers since joining, habit of turning up with a goal more often than expected and seems to have a good character. Really hope he stays longer and contributes for a few more seasons, while we can ease-in a replacement.
Agreed, as long as we do actually work on a replacement and not assume he’ll be able to maintain his current level as he ages
Kolasinac was supposed to be the LB-in-waiting, but it’s clear he’s not as solid defensively.
Pretty messed up world we live in where of 10M quid for ownership of a persons labour is a considered a bargain…
He signed in 13 not 12 blogs
Nacho joined in Jan 2013, no?
I already forgot about Ashley Cole
Who?
Love Nacho. Plays with the sort of enthusiasm and effort we all would if we weren’t too shit to play for Arsenal.
Clearly Denilson didn’t get this memo…!
Nacho is the anti-Santos.
Almost 33, but genuinely plays like a player 5 years his junior! Criminally underrated by a LOT of people. We would miss him dearly if he were to go. He has another 2 top seasons in him.
We need a fucking statue for Nacho!
Have got a lot of respect for Nacho…he is a true professional….he undoubtedly won the competition he had with Gibbs to become arsenal 1st choice LB…you don’t do that if you’re not a quality player… arsenal really need to sign him on for 2 more years till we get a quality replacement…cause based on what I saw last season kolasinac isn’t that replacement