by Lewis Ambrose

Nacho Monreal has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season yet his contract only currently runs until 2016.

The Spanish left-back has made that spot in the back four his own after a hugely impressive run of form this year, and is keen to stay at the club despite alleged interest from Athletic Club.

“I am very happy to play for Arsenal

“If the boss wants me to stay, I will – and I’d like to extend my contract.”

Interest

But the rumoured interest of Athletic Club never seems to go away.

The Basque side have a policy of only signing players born (or with parents born) in the Basque region, and as a result have a very limited pool of players to choose from.

Both Monreal and Mikel Arteta are Basque, so it’s not unlikely that there is interest in the deal from at least one side.

Marca are the ones pushing this story and – as the excellent Sport Witness says – it’s unlikely they’re just making it up for clicks.

Clarity

Instead El Correo have mentioned that Athletic are yet to make any concrete offer for Monreal.

They clarified the rumours even further when they said that Arsenal have an option to extend the player’s contract to the summer of 2017 – there are effectively two years to run on his deal.

The problem is this doesn’t provide the player with security.

It already seems certain that he’ll be at Arsenal, and be first-choice, next season. But beyond that?

Already 29 it is no surprise that Monreal (and his agent) would want to capitalise on his superb season and force Arsenal into giving him a new deal.

He’s surely earned it.