Arsenal Transfer News: Jose Gaya Reportedly Eyed by Arsene Wenger, Fresh Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly eyeing a move for Valencia left-back Jose Gaya as an eventual replacement for current first choice Nacho Monreal. 

According to John Cross in the Mirror, Arsenal are hoping to sign Gaya next summer to strengthen their left-back unit, which includes the 30-year-old Monreal, as well as Kieran Gibbs, who has yet to be offered a new contract despite his current deal expiring in 18 months. 

Cross added that the fact Wenger is planning for the future is seen as an indication the Frenchman intends to stay on as Gunners manager past the end of the season, when his contract expires.

Gaya, 21, is a talented prospect, and he has been a key part of the Valencia first team since the 2014-15 season.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe previously picked him out as a potential target for UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid:

Gaya's contract with Los Che runs until 2020, so Valencia are unlikely to let the Spaniard move on unless they receive a significant transfer fee.

However, the defender could be open to a move away as Valencia are enduring a torrid spell of form at the moment.

They finished 12th in La Liga last term and are lying 17th in the Spanish top flight this season, just above the relegation zone.

Arsenal, on the other hand—despite recent back-to-back defeats—remain in the Premier League title race and will likely be able to offer Gaya the chance to play in the Champions League next season if they go for him in the summer.

They would also be able to offer him plenty of game time and a future as Arsenal's first-choice left-back, playing in tandem with his compatriot, 21-year-old Hector Bellerin, on the other flank.

Indeed, the prospect of Gaya and Bellerin bombing on from deep in both full-back positions, complemented by the solid centre-back duo of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, is an exciting one.

Gaya may prove to be an expensive purchase, but, given his youth and talent, he could well be worth the money if he were to become a Gunners stalwart.