Just as the bizarre January transfer saga that took Kevin-Prince Boateng to the Camp Nou, it looks like this summer could have another strange saga bringing an unlikely star to the Catalan giants. This time around it’s been reported by Sport, via Tribal Football, that Nacho Monreal is a transfer target for Ernesto Valverde.
Barca has interest in Monreal as per Sport. Personally I’d sell him. He’s finished as a left back. Can only offer us something useful as a 3rd CB in a back 3. We should look to sell him and replace with a Tagliafico/Grimaldo/Tierney type.
— LTArsenal (@ltarsenal) 1 March 2019
Unai Emery will be well aware of the Gunners’ woes when it comes to the transfer market. Funds are not at a premium for the North London club and they will certainly need to be looking to sell players before they buy in new ones. The fans are already looking at players to ship out, and whilst Monreal won’t recoup a massive fee, if he wants to leave for Barcelona then the fans won’t want to deny him that move.
One of the best things about Monreal is his versatility. Whilst he may be a left-back by trade, as he loses his legs the way he features in a flat four at the back is a talent he is quickly losing. Meanwhile, when he’s put in as the left-sided centre-back in a back three he’s able to perform at a much higher level. However, if Monreal wants to go and Emery wants funds, this move could be a perfect one.
You can read the Gunners’ thoughts on Monreal here:
I think we owe it to monreal to give him the chance if Barca come calling. Could work out well for both of us. He's still a fantastic player IMHO
— Biopharma-moat (@BioPharmaMoat) March 1, 2019
For him, it would be a great offer to finish his career!
— Den (@den_1886) 1 March 2019
https://twitter.com/Daniel_finton/status/1101457993768538118
Yeah. Finished guy going to Barca. Makes sense.
— JBOfficial (@goonerjits) March 1, 2019
Even though he’s made like one mistake all season
— IsaacAFCG (@IsaacAFCG) 1 March 2019
https://twitter.com/AndrewNumberOne/status/1101475708390518784
https://twitter.com/BoomSakaLaca/status/1101458084453597184
A lot of Arsenal fans are keen to let Monreal go if he wants to leave yet they’d love to see him stay for one more season if possible as he’s a real fan favourite.
