It’s been a while since Barcelona annoyed us, so in case you’re missing them, Sport in Spain report that they have identified Nacho Monreal as a possible solution to their left-back issue.

The Catalans were planning on promoting a young player to replace Jodi Alba but after the first few weeks of the season, Sport report that their manager, Ernesto Valverde, has decided he needs a more experienced player to fill the role that he has even tested Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti in.

180911 sport spain monreal barcelona
Sport 11 September 2018

With Arsenal said to be considering a move for Filipe Luis, Unai Emery could be convinced to let Monreal leave when the winter window ‘opens the door’ for Luis.

Sead Kolasinac was brought in last summer and many expected him to become the number one choice at Arsenal but Arsene Wenger mostly stuck with the 32-year-old Spaniard. Under Emery, it looked as if Kola would get his chance, but injury struck, sidelining him for three months with a knee problem, allowing Monreal to stake his claim.

It’s hard to imagine Emery allowing such a senior player as Monreal to leave in the middle of the season, no matter how much crying Barcelona do for his signature.

Monreal would also be well advised to think long and hard about a move to the Nou Camp. If he wants to have a chat with any former Arsenal players who have regretted taking that path, there are plenty of them around.