No matter how big of a Nacho Monreal fan you are, it’s impossible to say he’s been up to his usual standard this season.

The 31-year-old has appeared incredibly slow when you compare him to how solid and sharp he was for Arsenal last season and although he’s had one or two decent games, he’s been off the pace this term.

Heads have therefore turned to Monreal’s back-up, Kieran Gibbs, whose contract runs out in 18 months.

Nacho Monreal
Arsenal’s Spanish defender Nacho Monreal controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on December 13, 2016.  (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Englishman has found it hard to get game time over Monreal and, in the past, this has been with good reason. However, this season, many are beginning to question what the 27-year-old has to do in order to get some regular minutes.

Reports have now began to emerge that we could sell Monreal, given that his contract runs out in 2019 and, therefore, we could still get money for him. There have also been claims that we’re now eyeing up Valencia full-back, Jose Gaya, as his replacement.

Gaya is only 21, therefore, allowing Gibbs to potentially step up into Monreal’s place.

Gaya has already made 12 La Liga appearances this season and is therefore most likely up to the pressure of at least playing second fiddle to Gibbs. Plus, we gave Valencia £35m for Shkodran Mustafi, far more than most would pay for a centreback.

It could be a good bit of business.