Arsenal are in talks with Nacho Monreal about a new deal as the defender closes in on the end of his current contract.

Arsenal have a number of players out of contract in the summer. Those whose contracts expire include Danny Welbeck, Petr Cech, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal takes a throw in during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on March 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal takes a throw in during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on March 15, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Of all those players, the Guardian, who are one of the most reliable around when it comes to Arsenal news, believe that the club has only opened talks with Nacho.

The Guardian, 28 November 2018
The Guardian, 28 November 2018

Arsenal are expected to come to some sort of arrangement with Danny Welbeck that will see them stand by the player as he recovers from his horrendous broken ankle. What form that support will take is hard to say and it would be a brave person who bets on the club handing Welbeck a three-year deal like the previous regime would have done.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: An injured Danny Welbeck of Arsenal is carried off on a stretcher during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on November 8, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: An injured Danny Welbeck of Arsenal is carried off on a stretcher during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium on November 8, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

As for Lichtsteiner, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him handed a one-year extension at some point. He was the first arrival under Unai Emery, named as Emery’s first signing by the Guardian, and at the time Emery said, “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.” Arsenal still need that experience.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Petr Cech of Arsenal (L) and Stephan Lichtsteiner of Arsenal arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Petr Cech of Arsenal (L) and Stephan Lichtsteiner of Arsenal arrive at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Similarly, Petr Cech has bags of the same stuff but believes he can play on until he’s 40. Given that he’s only 36, will he want to stick around at Arsenal to be a glorified keeper coach when he thinks he could still be playing?

Aaron Ramsey, as we know, will be off in the summer after the club withdrew his contract offer.