by Lee Hurley

Despite Nacho Monreal’s assertions that he’s more than happy to remain at Arsenal and extend his deal, Athletic Bilbao still believe they can tempt him back to Spain.

Hailing from the Basque region of Spain, it’s no wonder that Monreal is a target for the Spaniards given the limited pool of players they have to draw from and they are not being easily shaken from their pursuit.

According to AS, Bilbao believe that they can offer the Arsenal man wages that will make him consider his future in London but I wouldn’t be so sure.

Under contract with Arsenal until 2016, his contract also has an option for an additional year and given the season that the left-back has just enjoyed it’s hard to see Arsene Wenger refusing to take that up.

Added to that is the fact that AS claim that Bilbao would not be able to match the fee Arsenal paid to Malaga to sign him in 2013. It is believed Arsenal paid around £8.3m for his services.