Real Sociedad have made first contact with Nacho Monreal over a summer move to Spain, according to reports in the country.

Spanish outlet AS write that the club are in touch with Monreal’s representatives over a move. The agents have passed news of Sociedad’s interest onto the Spaniard, but responded that he doesn’t currently have any intention of leaving London.

Normally that would probably be the end of it, but the La Liga club are given hope by the fact Monreal only has a year left on his Arsenal contract, and hasn’t yet spent any time with new head coach Unai Emery. In fact, his holiday has only just begun after Spain’s exit from the World Cup.

If initial talks with Emery don’t go well, and Arsenal don’t reach an agreement to extend Monreal’s contract, the club might consider cashing in on the left-back. In that case, Sociedad would be waiting to pounce.

Monreal is reportedly the Sociedad football director’s first choice reinforcement, but it remains to be seen whether they’re willing to put together an offer which could convince Arsenal to part with one of their star players from 2017/18.

Nacho only marginally missed out on winning the club’s Player of the Season award last campaign, finishing second in the fan poll. It certainly wouldn’t be a popular decision to let him go, but we’ll see what happens in the coming weeks.