Nacho Monreal revealed that Unai Emery had asked the Spaniard to play in the North London derby but he refused.
He secured a move back to his country right before the transfer deadline day, signing a three-year contract with Real Sociedad.
Unlike Monreal, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was bound for AS Roma but he was still introduced in the 2-2 draw as a substitute. Sead Kolasinac did decently well in the 33-year-old’s absence but Arsenal would have prefered the defensive stability the latter provides through his years of experience.
Monreal only had the rest of the 2019/20 season left on his Arsenal contract and he felt the need to opt for a move when the offer from Real Sociedad arrived. It can be viewed as Arsenal’s desire to move out all dead weight from the club but the veteran was one of the club’s better defensive players from the Arsene Wenger era.
“This year has been different, the parties were more open and in my head was the possibility for several weeks of playing here,” Monreal said, according to Spanish publication Noticias de Navarra.
He also said that not taking part in the Tottenham fixture was “the most sensible thing was not to do it to avoid any unforeseen event”.
After his move was confirmed, Monreal posted on social media thanking the club’s fans and staff. He wrote, “Different country, city, language, football style, teammates, where it’s not the best conditions for a shy person as me, but I knew I have to be there!! Monreal said on Instagram about his decision to join Arsenal.
“Almost 7 years later it’s time to say goodbye. It hasn’t been an easy decision, but thinking of my family and my future it feels that it is the right decision.
“I would like to say thank you to all my teammates, staff, and all the people who work for Arsenal and especially to the fans for all the respect and love they have always shown me. I’ll always remember you. THANKS.
“P.S Now it’s time to win the North London Derby.”
See Also: Best Arsenal XI Of All Time
