Arsenal Confirm the Signing of Nacho Monreal

Arsenal seemingly like leaving it late when signing Spanish footballers, don't they? At 11:00 PM in the UK, they confirmed the transfer of Nacho Monreal, of Malaga, for an undisclosed fee on a long term contract, subject to registration procedures, etcetera, etcetera.

Monreal, 26, is a Spanish capped left back, who, as we've discussed on the site, is a very good defensive player but is also pretty good going forward. Graham Hunter has described him as a composite of a British and Spanish footballer, who's excellent technically but also a very good tackler. Presumably he'll come into the side straight away on Saturday against Stoke; the Turkish transfer window is still open and Andre Santos could still presumably leave.

He'll be very good competition for Kieran Gibbs, and gives Arsenal genuine starting options out of their 4 full-backs, making it one of the stronger positions at the club. Monreal is, unfortunately, cup-tied, so he'll be unable to play in the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger had this to say:

"We are delighted that Nacho Monreal has agreed to join us. We have been monitoring him for some time now and are really pleased that we've been able to agree this move today. Monreal is a strong left-sided defender with good experience at both club and international level. He is a technically gifted player, a good crosser in the final third and strong in the air. Monreal will add quality to our squad and of course, to our defensive unit. We all look forward to him playing for us

Welcome to the club, Nacho My King.