Nacho Monreal has left Arsenal to sign for Real Sociedad in his native Spain. Despite being ever-present for the Gunners over the course of the past few seasons, the arrival of Kieran Tierney means he would see opportunities wane at the Emirates.
The player’s contract will go for two years with a club option of a third and the move is set to cost £3 million.
Nacho Monreal Signs for Real Sociedad
Faithful Servant
Monreal joined Arsenal in January 2013 from Malaga for £8.5 million. At the time, he was seen as competition for Kieran Gibbs following the flop of Andre Santos. After his first half-season at the club, that all changed.
The Spaniard went on to become first-choice left-back under both Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery. In fact, he has made 36 or more appearances in each of his six full seasons with Arsenal.
Nacho Monreal helped the club to three FA Cups and made 250 appearances across all competitions. He also scored ten goals for the Gunners during his stay.
Following the departure of Laurent Koscielny, Monreal became Arsenal’s longest-serving player and was named as co-captain at the start of the season.
However, despite all his positive contributions to Arsenal over the last six and a half seasons, the 33-year-old would not receive a new contract if he stayed at the club.
That is in addition to the fact that once fully-fit, Kieran Tierney will become first-choice. Due to the fact that the Scotland international will not be available for selection until October, the club will have to rely upon Sead Kolasinac heavily in the interim.
The Bosnian is a natural at wing-back but struggles at times in a back four. That may lead to some short-term pains for Arsenal in the absence of Nacho Monreal. However, in the long term, the move is best for both player and club.
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