Mr Consistent wants to finish career at Arsenal…

Monreal wants a contract extension at Arsenal!

Whilst the club seems to be surrounded by transfer speculation of potential incoming players, one player who already plays for the Arsenal has announced he wants a new contract to stay longer with the Gunners!

Nacho Monreal has improved massively these past two seasons and is now known as Arsenal’s Mr Consistent. Monreal has commanded the left back position so impressively that Gibbs, who was supposed to be the next Ashley Cole for Arsenal, no longer gets a look in at all. Monreal has improved so much in his time at the club, since joining from La Liga side Malaga in January 2013 and is now surely one of the first names on the teamsheet.

At 30 years old, Monreal is looking at his last big professional contract before his career begins to wind down and understandably he therefore wants to commit his future sooner rather than later. The good news is that he wants to commit his future to the Arsenal and in a recent interview with Spanish media outlet, Marca, he spoke of his intentions to remain at Arsenal. The report was picked up by the Daily Express in which Monreal stated:
“I came from doing some impressive seasons in Spain and here at first it was hard. I was not even in the line-up. I had to adapt to the English football but in the end the hard work paid off. (Now) I am very happy here, playing in one of the best clubs in England. I am very happy with my team mates, with the club… The idea is to continue here. I’m not planning to go anywhere but to stay here and then, when the contract expires [in 2019], we will see how the body reacts and which level I can give at 32-33-years-old. Then, let’s see if I get the opportunity to continue here and if find myself in a good shape I am sure I will continue here.”

Monreal has greatly improved the Arsenal defence since he arrived in 2013, and is now a part of a back line that fans can have more confidence in. Originally Monreal took his time to adapt to the English game but now a back four that includes Monreal, Bellerin and Koscienly, currently looks very strong for the Gunners and it is partly due to the experience of the defence, of which includes an experienced Nacho Monreal. Monreal is currently peaking in his career at Arsenal and we are certainly seeing the best years he will offer professionally, but when his current contract runs out in 2019, will Arsenal be willing to offer him another extension at 32-33 years old, as he quotes?

As Monreal states it will depend on his fitness in a few years time but if he continues in the form that he has for the past two years then I don’t see why the club wouldn’t be pleased with Monreal committing his long term future to the Arsenal. It seems as if Kieren Gibbs’ career with the Gunners may not be revived for a little while longer, if it ever does at all!