Uttoxeter Gun
01-31-2013, 07:29 PM
Spanish football sauce Andy West: "It looks like the deal to bring Malaga left-back Nacho Monreal to Arsenal is drawing closer, with various reports stating that the Spain international has completed his medical at the Emirates.
"This would be a very good signing if it goes through. Monreal is an excellent ball-playing full back with a solid all-round game both defensively and going forward, and at the age of 26 he's coming into his prime.
"The only negative is that he'll be cup tied for the Champions' League but, if the reported fee of around £8m is accurate, it's an excellent long-term deal.
"It's also worth bearing in mind that Monreal will be teaming up again with his former Malaga teammate, Santi Cazorla, which should significantly help the settling-in process both on and off the pitch.
"It is believed that Arsenal had been in talks with Malaga to sign Monreal in the summer, but the injury suffered by Kieran Gibbs during Wednesday's game against Liverpool brought the deal forward.
"Incidentally, Malaga have moved quickly to line up a replacement - Vitorino Antunes from Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira."
"This would be a very good signing if it goes through. Monreal is an excellent ball-playing full back with a solid all-round game both defensively and going forward, and at the age of 26 he's coming into his prime.
"The only negative is that he'll be cup tied for the Champions' League but, if the reported fee of around £8m is accurate, it's an excellent long-term deal.
"It's also worth bearing in mind that Monreal will be teaming up again with his former Malaga teammate, Santi Cazorla, which should significantly help the settling-in process both on and off the pitch.
"It is believed that Arsenal had been in talks with Malaga to sign Monreal in the summer, but the injury suffered by Kieran Gibbs during Wednesday's game against Liverpool brought the deal forward.
"Incidentally, Malaga have moved quickly to line up a replacement - Vitorino Antunes from Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira."