Arsenal Transfer News: Alessandro Florenzi Rumours, Nacho Monreal Discusses Move

Barcelona’s interest in Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi will reportedly push Arsenal to take a step back from a potential transfer.

That’s according to talkSPORT (h/t Football Italia) which noted that the Gunners do not fancy going up against the La Liga giants in the transfer market. The piece went as far as to suggest that the Premier League outfit are “intimidated” by the prospect of Barcelona’s interest in Florenzi, who has previously admitted he is “flattered” to be linked with the European champions, via Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia).

Florenzi, who is an adaptable footballer, would be a brilliant pickup for either side. As we can see here, the Roma man has a broad skill set:

Every team with eyes for competing at the elite level could do with a versatile player such as Florenzi in its side. The Italy international has been deployed as a full-back for the majority of the Serie A campaign but is equally adept playing further forward on the flank, across the midfield and even as part of an attacking trio if needed.

It’s a pointer the to utility man’s intelligence that he’s capable of doing such an excellent job in so many different positions on the pitch. In addition, as we can see here courtesy of BT Sport Football, the 24-year-old possesses an eye for the spectacular, too:

Arsenal’s interest may have been tentative, and they may well not fancy a bidding war with a team as illustrious as Barca. Supporters won’t be too disheartened to hear they’ve cooled their interest in Florenzi, though.

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Manager Arsene Wenger has plenty of options to call upon at right-back, in right midfield and in central midfield. Squad depth isn't too much of a concern for the Gunners, making a player such as Florenzi less of a necessity than in other teams. The Emirates Stadium faithful will be hoping some specialist of star quality can come in and push this team to the title.

Nacho Monreal Talks Arsenal Move

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Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal has revealed that Gunners midfield maestro Santi Cazorla played a vital role in his joining the club back in 2013.

After a difficult start to life at the Emirates, Monreal has managed to nail down a regular spot in the first team at the Emirates and cemented his status as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League. The 29-year-old revealed that if it wasn’t for Cazorla’s influence, he may never have made the transfer, via Sean Kearns of Metro:

"

I remember on January 31, I woke up, looked at my phone and has two [missed] calls from Santi. And I thought it was really strange, Santi calling me in the morning. So I called him: "Santi, how are you? What’s happened?" [he replied] “Nacho, do you want to come to Arsenal?” [I replied] "What, pardon me? Yes, of course.”

So the transfer was really quick. On one day I was training in the morning with Malaga and I didn’t know anything, and then 10 hours later I was signing my contract with Arsenal. It was a really, really strange day for me, really happy of course, a good day for me.

"

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The duo played together at Malaga before moving to Arsenal and have each been central to the strong start made by the Gunners this season. Both players have taken their games to new heights this term, and you suspect it’ll mean plenty to each should the Gunners eventually secure the Premier League title.

As noted here by EPL Stat Man, not only is Monreal watchful in defence, but he’s a positive influence going forward, too:

There has been some speculation surrounding Monreal this season. According to Will Giles of Metro, the Spain international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign (although the Gunners do apparently have the option to extend it by another year), and he has been linked with a move to Athletic Club.

Although Wenger will be hopeful of getting a new deal sorted, there’s little doubt the Gunners will be taking up the option to keep Monreal until 2017. At the moment, while he’s largely unheralded in the mainstream media, there are few at the Emirates stadium who would trade him for any other left-back in the division.