Arsene Wenger’s new two-year deal apparently makes Athletic Bilbao’s pursuit of Nacho Monreal far more difficult.

Bilbao have wanted to sign Monreal since 2014. However, not only has Wenger wanted to keep one of Arsenal’s most reliable defenders at the club, the left-back enjoys working under the boss since the Frenchman has always backed him.

Therefore, when Bilbao saw that Wenger could leave north London this summer, they saw an opportunity to move for the Spaniard.

Unfortunately for them, however, Wenger has now signed a new two-year deal, which means that, according to reports, signing Monreal won’t be half as easy.

While Arsenal could still look to sell the former Malaga defender since he’s 31 and only has two years left on his current deal, Wenger’s admiration for the player will probably mean that Bilbao have to try that bit harder if they’re going to sign their target.

Roma have also been linked.