Arsenal Transfer News: Nacho Monreal Talks Revealed, Latest Isco Rumours

Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal has confirmed there have been preliminary talks about a possible contract extension at the Emirates Stadium, as the Spaniard continues to impress for the Gunners.

Despite being much maligned in the early stages of his Arsenal career, the 29-year-old has been excellent on the left side of the defence so far this season. Now it seems as though the Gunners are set to reward his excellent form with a new deal.

“We are talking [with the club], we need to talk and reach an agreement,” the Spain international left-back told talkSPORT (h/t Will Giles of Metro). “I wish that to happen. Of course I’d like to stay here.”

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The vast majority of the Emirates Stadium regulars would be happy to see Monreal agree new terms, with his current contract set to expire at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. It means that theoretically the full-back could agree a pre-contract deal as early as January to join another club, and as reported by Giles, he was linked strongly with a move to Athletic Club in the summer.

However, that was before Monreal embarked on his best spell of performances in Arsenal colours. As we can see here courtesy of Squawka (h/t Bleacher Report UK) the Spaniard has been a key creative force for the Gunners:

It’s not just going forward where he shines, though. With Hector Bellerin marauding into advanced areas on the right flank, Monreal offers a much more assured and steady presence on the left. His ability to spot danger, close off space and shut down opposition wingers has helped Arsenal look a lot more solid this term, keeping the highly rated Kieran Gibbs on the sidelines.

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With both player and club seemingly keen on getting a deal done as soon as possible, it’ll be a major surprise if there was a hitch in these negotiations.

Isco Linked with Gunners Move

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Real Madrid midfielder Isco has once again been linked with a move to Arsenal in the January window, with Los Blancos apparently willing to let him leave the club.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t George Bellshaw of Metro) the playmaker will be the subject to a bid from the Gunners, that’s after the same outlet claimed Isco had handed in a transfer request at the Santiago Bernabeu, per Mark Brus of Metro.

Here’s a look at why Isco is rated as one of the very best attacking midfield players in European football:

Needless to say, he’d be a superb capture for Arsenal. Isco has all the technical traits to slot into Arsene Wenger’s squad, and while the Gunners are packed with quality in his position, the Spain international is a world-class player in the making. If Arsenal do have a chance to land him, then few would begrudge them going all out to secure the deal.

As noted here by WhoScored.com, he’s been a huge creative influence for Real Madrid so far this season:

Fichajes is not the first publication to report Isco is keen on a move away from the La Liga giants, with Sport citing “English and Spanish media sources” who have claimed the midfielder has advised president Florentino Perez of his intentions to seek out a new challenge. Still, it seems unlikely Los Blancos would permit a mid-season sale.

It’s a transfer that would cost Arsenal a massive amount of money, too, and although a club of their stature should be seeking to land the finest players in the game, it’s expenditure that could be better directed on bolstering other areas of the squad.