Real Sociedad are close to the signing of Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal, according to reports in Spain.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 28: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium on July 28, 2019, in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The news comes from Spanish radio station Onda Vasca, but it’s been picked up by a number of mainstream publications like Mundo Deportivo, Noticias de Gipuzkoa and Football-Espana.

The general consensus is that Real Sociedad are now ‘very close’ to landing Nacho Monreal’s services, having spent most of the summer on a deal. Director of football Roberto Olabe has travelled to London to try and close negotiations.

A source close to the player’s side informed Noticias de Gipuzkoa that they’re optimistic about the transfer being completed in the next few days. Monreal sees it as the perfect opportunity to return home to Spain, though Arsenal are still hesitant given Kieran Tierney’s injury situation.

Tierney is out until October, meaning that even in the best-case scenario Arsenal would have to play five or six matches in September with just Sead Kolasinac at left-back. Worst case, Kolasinac picks up an injury, Tierney is out for much longer, or both.

Monreal has a contract until 2020, which Arsenal can reportedly extend by a further year. Getting a good fee for the 33-year-old now might be the last chance the club have to do so, but it’s not an easy decision.