Arsenal are facing more transfer woes as Athletic Bilbao renew their attempts to bring defender Nacho Monreal back to Spain, reports the Daily Mirror.
The Basque club face losing Aymeric Laporte with Manchester City renewing their interest in the 23-year-old centre-back. Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen his squad after injuries and lack of form affecting his squad.
Laporte has a buyout clause of £60m, presenting little problem for a club with access to the funds available to City.
Bilbao were previously keen on Monreal, sounding out the Gunners in 2016 over the Spain international’s availability. His form in the intervening time left many baffled why he hasn’t added to his 21 international caps.
Monreal’s value to the team has been seen in recent games with a goal and brace of assists against Crystal Palace, as well as a pivotal intervention in the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea at the Emirates.
A popular member of the squad with supporters, Monreal played as a third central defender when Arsene Wenger toyed with a 3-4-3 formation. He was a pivotal member of the defence which delivered three FA Cups in four seasons.
It’s unlikely that Arsenal would sell the 31-year-old whose stabilising influence was seen on youngsters Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, both 22, and integral to their development.
