It was around 5:30 yesterday evening when news started filtering through that the 26 year old Malaga left back, Nacho Monreal, was travelling to London for a medical with Arsenal. The deal, it has since been revealed, was initially scheduled to take place in the summer, as Arsene Wenger clearly recognised the need to replace under-fire left back, Andre Santos.
However, due to a thigh strain to Kieran Gibbs which Wenger revealed may keep him out for up to 8 weeks, the deal was accelerated to try and help Arsenal’s chances of Champions League qualification for next season.
Many were surprised at the news that such a highly-rated player had crept under the radar of the ‘omniscient’ media. Spanish football expert, Graham Hunter described him as:
‘The second best left back in Spain after Jordi Alba.’ He added that ‘Monreal is that composite of Spanish and British that people enjoy watching. As much a wing back as a full back. Monreal is quick, wirey, aggressive, creative, has a great eng...
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January 31, 2013
