Arsenal: Nacho Monreal will be a big loss but he’s not essential
By Kian Long
Arsenal fans needn’t panic, losing Nacho Monreal is not the end of the world…
Nacho Monreal has been a long-serving player for Arsenal, remaining loyal when it may have seemed hard to. Although now, according to Express, he could part ways to join with Real Sociedad. The report suggests the Spanish side will push through a move as soon as possible, in the hopes of gifting him a debut on Friday.
Now is not the best time for Arsenal to sell their players. Given the English transfer window closes early, they will not have time to bring in any replacements. However, luckily for Arsenal fans, the board needn’t sign a replacement for Monreal.
They have both Kieran Tierney and Seas Kolasinac who can play in his position. It’s not like they are a level below either since both full-backs could easily improve the first team. Kolasinac is back in the starting eleven after he missed opening day through security measures. Tierney is still awaiting his Arsenal debut but it will come in due time.
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Throughout his playing career, Monreal has learned a lot, playing in a variety of different positions. Signing from Malaga in 2013, he has made a grand total of 187 league appearances. He has also shared some memorable moments including his goal against Manchester United away from home and scoring the crucial equaliser against Manchester City at Wembley.
Monreal was one of the better players in Arsenal’s opener against Newcastle, since most of their attacks came down the left-hand side. However, he was simply filling a void which was bound to be replaced by Kolasinac.
Emery has his ideal XI in mind and it would be silly of him not to include the Bosnian. As the Gunners look ahead to the January transfer window, perhaps improving their full back depth will be the number one priority.
However, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles showing impressive signs and Hector Bellerin soon to return from injury, they’re pretty much sorted on the right-hand side. Tierney just needs to make his breakthrough for Emery to be comfortable with his left-hand side.
What has been your favourite memory of Nacho Monreal at Arsenal?