The Catalan outfit is on the lookout for a backup left-back, behind Jordi Alba and has deemed the Arsenal defender as their best bet.
It is not up for debate on who will be playing majority of Barcelona’s games in the left-back position with Alba still at the club. The 30-year-old recently signed a contract extension and is also considered one of the world’s best fullbacks in modern football.
This has posed a serious problem for the La Liga champions in attracting quality players for a second-string post. Not many footballers would agree to play second fiddle which is why Lucas Digne made his departure for Everton last summer.
Monreal is in the final season of his contract with the Gunners. Even at 33, he has proven to be a highly effective defensive option with the experience of playing the Premier League for many years.
Not only will he be cheap for Barcelona, Sport Witness understands that the Spaniard is willing to make the switch to the Camp Nou if an offer eventually does come in.
It would in the Gunners’ best interest to persuade Monreal into staying. With their defensive record, Unai Emery cannot afford to lose one of his best players.
It’s not like he will have the financial backup to sign an immediate replacement while also getting to strengthen other positions.
ESPN had earlier reported that Arsenal had chosen to activate a one-year extension clause in Monreal’s contract to keep him at the club till 2019/20. However, no official statement has been released by the club yet.
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