Constantly linked with a summer move back to Spain, Nacho Monreal’s agent was up to something.

Athletic Club may well have been interested in the defender but Arsenal were never going to sell him. His contract expires at the end of the season but Arsenal have the option to extend it for another year.

However, Monreal will have turned 31 by the end of the 2016/17 season, so this may well be his last chance for a big contract. His form warrants it, and he’s sending a clear message that he’s happy on this week’s Arsenal Weekly podcast.

“Everything feels right,” the left-back said. “I can say that I feel at home on and off the pitch.”

And it shows. He’s been incredibly consistent over the last 12 months, becoming one of Arsène Wenger’s most reliable players and a guaranteed starter in a position which was once firmly in Kieran Gibbs’ hands.

“If you don’t feel good off the pitch and in life in general, obviously you can’t give 100 per cent. However, at the moment, I love England, I love London and I love my team-mates so everything is positive.”

You hear that? It’s the sound of Nacho asking for a new contract.

He’s indispensable to the club right now, starting all 14 of our Premier League games so far this season and three of our five Champions League games. The ‘Spanish core’ at the club is strong, and he’s a big part of it.

He’s happy, and we’re happy watching him every week. Now’s the time to make sure we extend his stay in London.